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AO Forum :: > AOCAF - The AO Regional Soccer Tournament > AOCAF 14 RP Thread

Posted by: Bettia May 13 2006, 08:41 AM

And so for the second time, the Football Association of Bettia welcomes the cream of AO football to its shores for this, the fourteenth edition of the greatest regional tournament in the world.

The last time Bettia hosted this competition, Hypocria came away as proud champions - can they repeat this feat? Will reigning champions Fmjphoenix hold onto their crown? Will the Aroras thrill their fans with a home win in the final? Or will tradional heavyweights Starblaydia and Vilita restore normality by winning this thing?

The draw for the group stages will be made tomorrow evening (local time).

Posted by: Lamoni May 14 2006, 07:03 PM

Time for AOCAF!!!!

As the Bettian hosted AOCAF XIV rolls around, it is time once again for Lamoni to resume their quest for the cup. In AOCAF XIII, the Hawks had their best chance yet to win the cup, but then they lost to the AOCAF XIV hosts. We think that things will be different this time around.

The Hawks have been drawn into Group 2, consisting of Pacitalia, Vilita, Geisenfried, and Bettia. This can either be the easiest or hardest group for the Hawks, depending on how they play in this AOCAF. The only recognizable superstar on the Hawks roster is forward Guy Abbot; who is nicknamed "The Monk." The Monk has been the force that has singlehandedly changed Lemnos FC from the laughing stock of the the Lamonian Football League, to a national powerhouse. He should have a good time against the other AOCAF teams.

And now for our group predictions:

Pacitalia - Lamoni faced them in the last AOCAF, and won. Unless Pacitalia steps it up in AOCAF XIV, this should be a Hawk dominated match.

Vilita - The Hawks actually have a pretty good AOCAF group stage record against Vilita; and it is our hope that the winning trend continues.

Geisenfried - This is a newer team to AOCAF play. As long as the Hawks play their game without getting too cocky, this will be an easy Lamoni victory.

Bettia - The Hawks will be looking for revenge for the AOCAF XIV knockout loss to Bettia. As long as anger doesn't cloud the judgement of the Hawks, they have an equal chance of winning this one.

This is the first AOCAF in quite a while where the Hawks will not be facing Starblaydia in the group stages, so Lamoni has a very good shot at taking the top spot in the group. This will generate momentum that will come in handy during the knockouts, as the Hawks might have to take on Starblaydia, who we have yet to defeat. As Starblaydia has only one more AOCAF of experience than we do, it rankles. It rankles even more when you remember that Starblaydia is Lamoni's chief political-military rival (as we are Starblaydia's). We shall cross that bridge when we get to it, however. The team has already flown over to Bettia, and is practicing at the facility that they will use for the purpose. GO HAWKS!!!!!!

Posted by: Bazalonia May 14 2006, 08:09 PM

"Group 4 in Bazalonia, or is it Bazalonia in Group 4?" by Nev Gould

Despite the Bazalopes heading to Bettia for their second appearance in the AOCAF, confusion still surrounds the team rankings as no official list has been published by the AOCAF. No one really knows what to expect in terms of an official ranking but speculation has been strife. Some of the extreme optimists have put us in the middle 10s. I'm thinking somewhere in the low to middle 20's. But either way the people of Bazalonia are waiting on baited breath for the official announcement.

So while we are here let's go over the others in group 4

Starblaydia - The highest ranked team in the group and are surely going to dominate the round. They should easily make it to the final series. Expect losses but there is a slim chanceof a draw

Hypocria - The only team in our group that we have faced and beaten, we are unsure of how we go against the team this time

The Lowland Clans - The only other team that we have faced in this group, though it was a loss in the 2nd round of the AOCAF. We should have a decent chance against them this time.

Myrtannia - We should be able to win against these guys fairly easily... though we are unsure about the exact margin.
Myrtannia

Posted by: Myrtannia May 14 2006, 10:39 PM

Ready or not, here they come: Dryads set to take the field, condemned to Group 4

Well, we all new that the group draw would most likely be unfavorable for a Dryads team hoping for mercy at the hands of the Bettian hosts. Unfortunately for Myrtannia, the group doesn't look favorable to the AOCAF sophomores, and most bets will be on the orange and blue to be the only team from the group to not make it to the second round. A dubious honor, but one someone's going to have to take. Here's how the group looks (in alphabetical order!):

Bazalonia - Surprise entrants into AOCAF XIII's second round in a weak group, looking to repeat that performance. Despite this, expect the now experienced Dryads to give them a run for their money. The Bazalopes should win, but it'll be close.

Hypocria - Once AOCAF juggernauts, now hurled down the rankings (presumably) after a shockingly abyssmal performance in AOCAF XIII in the round robins. Now, they field an Under-21 team that will be very strong on offense. This could be an interesting matchup, but once again the Dryads should be able to stick around longer than they would've in AOCAF XIII.

The Lowland Clans - AOCAF veterans, made the knockouts in XIII. Expect the Dryads to get beat by these guys, who have far more experience than our girls (and handful of boys) in orange and blue.

Starblaydia - Easily group champions, were shocked by Bettia in the knockouts last time around, but will be very good in AOCAF XIV as well. Myrtannia stands no chance of defeating these guys, and will be lucky if they can limit the Starblaydis to 2 goals as they did last time.

So, it looks like Myrtannia will finish last in Group 4, but that's to be expected when you're the doormat of the group. However, the Dryads have more experience after AOCAF XIII and four years of the Mytrannia Alliance of Football Clubs. The Dryads' offense will be their main weapon this time - Deann Massetti is the captain, and will look to score on opponents often after leading the Dryads in goals in AOCAF XIII (3 goals, all v. Dorian and Sonya). Dania Figary has improved and will try to add more pucnh to Myrtannia's lineup, as will newcomer September Rollock.

Myrtannia's defense is still suspect, so if they can put up a decent effort, and if Myrtannia's offense can deliver after being shut out against four opponents like last time, the Drayds might have an outside chance of qualifying for the second round. Most likely, any wins would come against Bazalonia, and possibly Hypocria (don't count on it, though).

In response to a Bazalonian sports writer's comments about the Bazalopes being able to beat the Dryads "fairly easily", Massetti had this to say, "They can say what they want right now, but we'll see who's laughing after he bash heads on the field. Safe to say, the Bazalopes just made our hit list. It's not over 'til the fat lady sings, after all."

Posted by: Hypocria May 15 2006, 02:22 PM

AOCAF Preview*

The Autocracy’s AOCAF squad have arrived in Bettia full of confidence. And why not? They’re young and essentially stupid so there’s no fear factor involved. And Bettia just happens to be the site of the Hyppos famous AOCAF triumph several years ago. Although certain members of the HFA have pointed out to anyone that would listen that being ranked fourth should have guaranteed being top seeds in one of the four groups, the group looks relatively painless.

Starblaydia

Sure the Purple Peril have won this tournament on no less than forty eight separate occasions but even they can be beaten. Indeed the Hyppos have done it twice before. So naturally we can do it again. Between you and me I think we’ve got them running scared. What we won’t mention is the lack of any decent result against the Men in Mauve for over a decade, and never from open play.

The Lowland Clans

For more years than we can remember we’ve claimed that the Autocracy is the unluckiest side on the planet. We lied. That dubious honour belongs to the Clansmen. They’ve been around seemingly since the world was young but their book of sporting honours is slightly less impressive than that literary classic “Keeping Your Feathers Fluffy - Avian Hygiene in Falcania” Although a quarter final place four years ago is cause for optimism.

Bazalonia

A nation to which we have developed a totally irrational dislike of. Surely nothing to do with the embarrassing defeat the then debutants inflicted on the Hyppos on the opening day four years ago. The Bazalouts or whatever reached the second round of that tournament. That ladies and gentlemen is called beginners luck.

Myrtannia

Hahahahahahahahaha. I’m sorry, that was unfair. But seriously look at their squad. It’s made up of women. One broken nail and they’ll collapse like a house of cards**. I mean look at their strikers. The Autocracy’s tough tackling, uncompromising defenders are not exactly quaking in their boots.

*The contents of this preview are most probably warped by an underserved sense of arrogance that comes from being ranked fourth in the region and should be taken with a pinch of salt the size of Kazakhstan***.

**This view does not extend to the national side of Dorian and Sonya. Any side nicknamed the Necromancers has to be taken very very seriously.

***Which is quite big.

Posted by: Pacitalia May 15 2006, 06:35 PM

PSN presents AOCAF14 predictions
A tough group for the 8th-seeded Blue Foxes

TIMIOCATO (PSN) -- The start of the latest installment of the Atlantian Oceanian Championship of Association Football has brought four groups of squads that are balanced. All groups, at least at the moment, appear well-matched, and it would be safe to assume that until the group stage begins to wind down, there won't be any emergent favourites to take the cup at the tourney's end.

The Bettian hosts have made it easy on the participant teams - only the bottom team from each group will be eliminated at the end of the group stage. However, that doesn't make it easier for teams to win it all - it just gives all teams a chance to win. And that is something the Blue Foxes are very much taking into consideration with news that they have been drawn into the same group as those pesky Lamoni Hawks for the third-straight cup, and with talented hosts Bettia and top-ranked Vilita.

This group is anything but easy for the Blue Foxes, and they're more than aware.

"As one of the top eight teams, and thus a favourite to win, we can't let any of this pressure get to us," captain Veranace d'Amantano said by phone from Gabalfa Sunday, after the team's pre-cup meeting. "If we play our style, we will be successful. But our group alone has heaps and loads of talent - it's a tough group. Either ours or Group One could be considered the Group of Death in this AOCAF."

The Pacitalian squad is looking to improve on its best finish ever in AOCAF13 - a loss in penalties to the host Krytenians during the quarterfinals of the last championship.

With that, here are our predictions!

Group One - "Return of the Football Jedi?"
A well-drawn group with each team having its own strengths and weaknesses. Should be a close group with Iksonic the odd squad out at the end of the group stage. The Sarzonians will be looking to regain their old glory from AOCAF12 when they were crowned champions whilst trying to shake off their scary underachievement from AOCAF13 where they failed to even qualify for the knockouts. However, they will face stiff competition from an improving Bedistani side, a strong and capable Krytenian side that will be looking to defeat Sarzonia for the first time in a long time, and the hungry Milchamians out for blood. The Sarzonia-Krytenia match will be the marquee one of this group for AOCAF14.

1st - Sarzonia
2nd - Krytenia
3rd - Milchama
4th - Bedistan
5th - Iksonic

Group Two - "Sorry, Lamoni"
Another well-drawn group and a strong candidate for this cup's Group of Death - a group where every point earned may make the difference. Vilita has performed below expectations these last few cups, having the opportunity to earn another ring in AOCAF12 but self-destructing against a surging Sarzonian side, and then exiting the knockouts early last time. This time they will no doubt qualify - the talent is still there, for certain. The only question in this group is who will emerge victorious. The Lamonians are quite blatantly cocky (or at least their media networks are), so there is no indication they will top the group or that they are anything special; it all just seems to be hot air. The Pacitalian side feels confident now that it has played Lamoni twice that it knows their system and is capable of defeating them. The Blue Foxes could easily find themselves atop Group Two at the end of this stage but so could the Hawks, Jungle Cats or Aroras. And just like Group One, the newcomer appears to be the odd man out here in a similarly tough handful of squads. But Group Two will be different in that the final standings will be tighter than a corset.

1st - Vilita
2nd - Pacitalia
3rd - Bettia
4th - Lamoni
5th - Geisenfried

Group Three - "Vikings conquer, Lions roar"
Fmjphoenix is looking to repeat as champions and join the ranks of glory with Starblaydia, NEWI and Vilita as devilish conquerers. And with a nickname like the Vikings, it seems symbolic that they be a favourite to win. However, it must be noted that despite the Vikings' heroic and celebrated victory in AOCAF13, they still sit as the 10th seed, well behind group co-participants Nedalia, who are third, and as such are poised to capture the group and run to a glorious championship. This time, in the face of such stiff competition both in the group and out, we cannot surely say the Vikings will repeat but they will most certainly do some damage in Three, perhaps even against the Lions. But the order in the final standings seems quite clear in this group (in contrast to the hellishly tight looking Groups One and Two). The Lions are clear favourites, with the Vikings appearing as a sort of nice little sidekick that will bash your shins in but fail to down the entire beast. The Blue Foxes were smarting from their violent tilt with Nojika in AOCAF13 but their respect for the Panthers still rides among the highest of AOCAF rivals. Sadly, in the face of competition from a strong ASMV squad who may this time get lucky, and the talented Nedalians and Fmjphoenicians, it'll be a hair-raising ride to the end for the Nojikans as they dance precariously over the carcass of Dorian and Sonya to earn that last qualifying spot.

1st - Nedalia
2nd - Fmjphoenix
3rd - Andossa Se Mitrin Vega
4th - Nojika
5th - Dorian and Sonya

Group Four - "Smarting champions, determined challengers"
Hear that murmuring after Group Four was announced? Darn right you did, because not only does this group feature two former champions struggling to regain control of their destiny but it also features one consistently strong squad and two relatively new challengers out for blood. The Myrtannians, let's face it, were pwned, RAWRCRUSHED if you will, in AOCAF13, and word on the street is that they've learned quite a lot from their first experience and built a strong team around those lessons. Vicious forward Deeann Massetti is captaining that squad and has already had some harsh words for fellow challengers, the Bazalonians, whose media confidently proclaimed the other day the Myrtannians were akin to fresh meat for the taking. Starblaydia will most likely top the group again with Hypocria close behind but our feeling is that they will narrowly survive scares at the hands of the Bazalonians and Myrtannians, and perhaps hit rock-bottom after suffering a frustrating draw to The Lowland Clans. Only time will tell, especially in a group with four teams, two of which seem to be declining in football power and two others that appear to be rising stars in the region.

1st - Starblaydia
2nd - Hypocria
3rd - Myrtannia
4th - The Lowland Clans
5th - Bazalonia

Posted by: Dorian and Sonya May 16 2006, 01:29 AM

Sylvanaes Predictions For AOCAF XIV

The rankings shown in this media presentation are the latest posted just yesterday by Starblaydia.

Dorian and Sonya is pleased to announce that their second squad now has it’s own identity - the Necromancers. The Necromancers come complete with a newly revised roster and a brand new “fade” kit courtesy of Sabre Inc.
user posted image

So what does all of this news mean for the squad from The Sylvanaes Kingdom? Probably not a damn thing. But win or lose they squad has its own persona now and will look very sharp as they take the pitch.

Now let’s look at the groups and see what will happen as the top 4 sides move on.

Group One

01 Sarzonia
07 Krytenia
10 Bedistan
16 Milchama
UR Iksonic (1-0-4 in AOCAF XIII)

We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Sarzonia will run away with the group. We do believe in the power of an upset though - Milchama will find second in the group. Krytenia will struggle but finish third and Bedistan will do just enough to send Iksonic home, but that wont be easy.

Group Two

3 Vilita
9 Bettia
11 Lamoni
18 Pacitalia
UR Geisenfried (No Previous AOCAF)

This is going to be the toughest of the groups. Vilita, Bettia, and Lamoni will all be fighting for the top spot. Who wins? Good question. Pacitalia had better be careful. Geisenfried will be pushing hard for a spot in the next round.

Group Three

6 Nedalia
12 Fmjphoenix
13 Andossa Se Mitrin Vega
19 Nojika
UR Dorian & Sonya (0-1-4 in AOCAF XIII)

We are screwed. Doormat run for us. Again. We think ASMV can push Nedalia hard for the top spot. Current Champs Fmjphoenix will easily find 3rd in the group while Nojika will squeak past us to move on.

Group Four

2 Starblaydia
5 Hypocria
15 The Lowland Clans
UR Bazalonia (2-1-2)SR
UR Myrtannia (1-0-4)

Starblaydia and Hypocria should hold their spots here. But we expect both Bazalonia and Myrtannia to jump past The Lowland Clans and send them home early.

Well. That’s the way we see it. We will refrain from making predictions on the next round just yet. We may have to eat these first.

In the first match for the Necromancers awaits current champ, Fmjphoenix. We will pray for a win and hope we can keep it to a single-digit loss.

Posted by: Andossa Se Mitrin Vega May 16 2006, 02:45 AM

Group 3 Brings Big Challenges

This is Hal Rosh reporting live from the FNN studios in downtown Errion Vega.

The ASMV “B” squad is tuned and ready to go with several new players at key positions. This is due in part to a number of the star players on the River Dragons roster being called up to join the Sea Dragons. We congratulate those players and hope the new blood can give us a much needed boost in AOCAF XIV.

What has the AOCAF held for us in the past? Pure disappointment, that’s what. In AOCAF XII the squad defeated Starblaydia but lost their qualification spot on the final day - to that very same Starblaydia squad. In AOCAF XIII, we accomplished the same thing. Losing the qualification spot on the final day, this time to the upstart Bazalopes. Maybe we can have better results this time.

At least one media publication has us doing very well.

QUOTE (Dorian and Sonya)

We think ASMV can push Nedalia hard for the top spot. Current Champs Fmjphoenix will easily find 3rd in the group

Thanks a ton for giving us that jinx.

But we do feel good about our chances. The River Dragons have rocketed up the rankings to an impressive 13th in the latest release. That puts us just a single point behind current Champions Fmjphoenix. We can move past these guys, but it will take some brilliant play. Nedalia will be a much tougher task and we probably wont catch them. Nojika sits in a tough spot. The Necromancers will make a hard challenge for their spot in the next round. Or is that our spot? History says we will lose it on the final day.

Now for the other groups.

Group 1 will see Krytenia finally figure out how to beat Sarzonia and the Stars will have to keep an eye on Milchama if they want to finish 2nd. Bedistan should beat out Iksonic for the 4th position.

Group 2 will see the hosts fall just short of Lamoni. Vilita will finish third before making a run in the knockouts. Pacitalia should take care of a very noisy Geisenfried squad for 4th.

Group 4 is a complete mess. Starblaydia will have trouble with Hypocria. Bazalonia and Myrtannia will both be ready to pounce if they are forgotten about and The Lowland Clans could be in real trouble. But then again TLC is capable of the top spot which will leave someone else crying all the way home.

The River Dragons begin action against Nojika. You can bet they will not be ready to roll over and play dead for us. If we don’t get an “A squad” effort from the “B squad” we could find ourselves in an early hole as we face top-dogs (or Lions) Nedalia.

Oh, and check out the new duds from Sabre Inc.

user posted image

Posted by: Lamoni May 16 2006, 03:21 PM

Hawks give Pacitalia the business

After a scathing prediction against the Hawk's chances in AOCAF XIV appeared in the Pacitalian media, the Hawks knew that they would find a way to win the opening day match. During a lively first twenty minutes of the match, there were a lot of shots on goal for both sides, but only one made it for the goal. That goal came from Lamonian star forward Guy "The Monk" Abbott at twenty minutes in. After that, it was a defensive Mexican standoff that saw the Lamonian goalkeeper actually reading a book that he'd stashed in his uniform because the ball so rarely got near him.

The win puts the Hawks in second place because of goal difference with Bettia, and that is not a bad place to be at this stage.

Next up for Lamoni is Vilita. While Lamoni has a very good AOCAF group stage record against the Jungle Cats, the Hawks have never taken this kind of match lying down. We predict that this match will be a fight to the finish, but we also predict that Vilita will fall just short at the end. A win against Vilita will remind everyone that the Hawks still have fangs, and are not afraid to use them.

Lamoni - 1 Guy Abbott (20)
Pacitalia - 0

Posted by: Milchama May 16 2006, 06:17 PM

Milchama News-Today-Tommorow-Chronicle-Telegraph-Journal-Update -Register-Sun-Enquirer-Post-Gazette-Times-Picayune-Herald

Sports Section

Milchama play in boring 0-0 draw

We played Bedistan in MD1 and tied in a very boring fashion, 0-0. So we're not going to talk about that but instead focus on the predictions for the group. Coach Patrice Thibault said, "We have a tough draw but we can overcome it. Espiecially because 4 teams will be advancing from each group which means that we need just one win and that will be enough for advancement."

Now the predictions:
Sarzonia- We played them twice in the World Cup and lost twice. Of course it is their second choice side. It is also our second choice side so that doesn't matter.
Krytenia- The Aces are quite good in regional espiecially last time when they hosted. They will be tough to beat but we can do it.
Milchama- We're finally trying to do something in AOCAF as we have done jacksh-t after our initial cup when we won our group, coincedentally a group of death.
Bedistan- While their good in the WC, outside of that they tend to struggle and AOCAF is no exception we will hopefully try to take advantage of that.
Iksonic- Somehow we tied them in U21, we're hoping for a better result this time around.

Milchama Man of the Match:
Kyoga Marcazumi- He finally did something successful for Milchama at an international level. His defense was key in stopping the Bedistani and a few of his counter could very well have been goals for the Warriors.

Posted by: Myrtannia May 16 2006, 06:31 PM

Much-Improved Dryads Tie Hyppos; Tied For Second Place in Group 4

SUKATRA, Bettia - Coming into the first matchday of AOCAF XIV, the Myrtannia Dryads were at the very best a wildcard in group four. With only one AOCAF under their belts, the Dryads didn't have as much experience as their Day One opponents, who were once AOCAF champions themselves. Domestic media had predicted Myrtannia would finish dead last in group four, while foreign markets placed them either fourth (Dorian and Sonya) or a very generous third (Pacitalia). Despite the leaps and bounds made at home since the thrashings recieved in AOCAF XIII, including the formation of the Myrtannia Alliance of Football Clubs and a new coach, the team's fate against Hypocria remained uncertain.

In a match Myrtannia's media pegged as a probable loss, the mostly-female Dryads seemed to be energized by a call to arms by captain Deeann Massetti. Reading an excerpt from the Hypocrian media's group four preview, an enraged Massetti brought about passion in her teammates as well.

"We know that their preview was extremely jaded, but it got us all right torked off," rookie defender Orpha Mega told an AIR 4 reporter, "We were determined not to lose to these chumps if we could help it."

As it turned out, it was likely the best match Myrtannia has yet played in AO's longest-standing inter regional competition. Their defense, which finished AOCAF XIII by allowing 5 goals to Pacitalia, stiffened up and held the attacking Hypocrians at bay for most of the game. Mega in particular impressed many with the way she kept with every opposing striker who dared penetrate the Myrtannian defense. Only one slip-up was allowed - a first half goal by Steve Jenkins, which narrowly edged in past Dryads goalie Flo Krabel.

At the half it was 1-0 Hypocria, but Myrtannia came out swinging in the second. Determined not to be held scoreless for the fifth time in six AOCAF outings, the Dryads dominated offensively, taking an all-time team high amount of shots at the Hypocrian goal. Outstanding goal tending prevented these from going in, but eventually something had to give. Leading scorer Massetti provided the spark, but it would be another Dryad who prevented a Myrtannian loss.

It happened after Orpha Mega took the ball away from Jenkins, and passed it down to Massetti. Massetti dribbled expertly around the Hypocrian defenders, then gracefully passed it over to fellow forward September Rollock, who nailed the ball perfectly. Or at least well enough that it zipped into the upper left corner of the goal, scoring one for the Dryads. Here's the call from AIR 4:

"Steve Jenkins has the ball, looking for another Hyppo... and it's stolen by Orpha in the backfield! Orpha boots it down the field to Deeann Massetti... Massetti maneuvers around the Hypocrians like a feather in the wind... kicks it to her right, it's lobbed to Rollock... Rollock strikes... GOOOAAAL!"

After that, Myrtannia's fans gave Rollock a standing ovation, flags waving and deafening cheers coming down from the stands. It was a scene from the glory days of the Myrtannian curling team at AOCOC in the round robin stage. From that point on, the Dryads stopped their opponents at every turn, preventing any further goals from being scored on them. When the dust settled, Myrtannia secured a 1-1 tie, a far cry from the horrible outings against established teams in AOCAF XIII.

"Our girls really played their hearts out today. We may not have seemed much at first, but we had an extremely positive performance today. Never underestimate the power of a motivated ball club," the Dryads coach reported to the media.

Confidence boosted by the tie, and at the moment sitting pretty in a tie for second, the Dryads now prepare for their second matchup. On Day Two, the Dryads take the field against Bazalonia, the team captain Deeann Massetti proclaimed was "On our hit list". The Bazalopes defeated the Lowland Clans 2-0 on Day One, and sit in first for now. While they have had more success to date, the Dryads are hungry for revenge for the Bazalonian media's comments about Myrtannia being easy to beat. Today's showing proves that the Dryads are vastly improved, and should be able to give the Bazalopes a run for their money.

"Sure they've done better, but to us they have a huge target on their back now. Sitting at number one in our group, and taunting us like that served that purpose. Now, we're going to do everything in our power to knock these guys off," forward Dania Figary announced.

Whatever happens, AIR 4 will be there to bring you coverage of Day Two - Myrtannia v. Bazalonia. If the Dryads can attack and play their kind of football, they have a good chance to surprise people. Only time will tell if Bazalonia will be among them.

Hypocria 1 - Steve Jenkins (21)
Myrtannia 1 - September Rollock (45)

Posted by: Bazalonia May 16 2006, 07:39 PM

"Good news x2" by Nev Gould

First just hours before our match with the Lowland Clans, the Bazalopes Ranking was released, We are sitting in 17th place in the region, a wonderful feat considering that was our first AOCAF. However despite this mangificent achievement we cannot afford to rest on our laurels. Myrtannia is hungry for un upset after a comment that I had made, a justified comment. And Hypocria that want revenge for our upset win against them in the first round. This will be a battle, a big battle for 2nd place. Hypocria, Myrtannia and us all vying for the 2nd spot. the first is virtually guaranteed to be Starblaydia but lets not focus on that.

2nd, Bazalopes beat The Lowland Clans 2 nil. The game was dominated by the Bazalopes but they weren't perfect, a couple of momentary lapses gave the Lowland Clans runs into the goal circle and came very close twice to scoring, one just was too high, it looked like it scrapped the bar as it passed and the other was stopped in a magnificent save by the Keeper Jeffery Constantine. Peter Hobble and Michael Irchov scored the Bazalopes two goals in the 34th and 78th minutes respectively.

Our first match day was surrounded by 2's. 1st there was 2 lost of good news, the Bazalopes ranking and their win against the Lowland Clans. There are 2 teams that for various reasons want to beat us, Mytannia and Hypocria and we won against The Lowand Clans 2-0. And this is our second AOCAF. So I wonder if this AOCAF will be our AOCAF of the number 2.

Posted by: Dorian and Sonya May 17 2006, 12:01 AM

Necromancers Earn Draw With Vikings

OOC - Happy B-day Bettia!!!!!!

IC -

Queen Sonya Sabre was rather enjoying her short stay in Bettia. Yeah the flights in just before the match and leaving shortly afterwards didn’t quite qualify as a “stay”, but it was at least a visit. Today would see the newly anointed Necromancers face off against defending Champions of the AOCAF Fmjphoenix.

Literally every publication in the region had written off the chances of the squad. Only ASMV had said they would push for the right to move on while Hypocria has said “Any side nicknamed the Necromancers has to be taken very, very seriously.” Thoughts on the Vikings chances are quite varied. Some have said they would show more of the same form that took the title in the last AOCAF, while others have said they will slide a bit and not make a serious run. Today’s match was very important to both sides as they took the pitch.

The Vikings hoped to overwhelm the Necromancers early, and it looked as if they might succeed in doing just that. Queen Sonya could only sit and watch as her squad seemed to fall apart. The first half was horrid, but a Viking 1-0 lead was better than she could have hoped for.

Whatever head coach Camellia Trifiletti said must have worked wonders. The Necromancers came out blazing in the second half. Almost magical, the squad looked nothing like the hapless bunch of nobodies from the first half. And the Vikings were not ready for the onslaught they were about to receive.

In the 63rd minute things paid off for the Necromancers. Lupe Tatu made a brilliant play on the ball near midfield. He did not manage the steal but rather gave Audry Susan the opportunity to come away with the ball. She was flying down the pitch and left two would-be Viking defenders wondering how the hell anyone could move that fast.
As another defender moved to cut her off, she did the unexpected. She left the ball stopped on the pitch as she moved on. The Vikings completely missed that move and Melonie Gaffer found it with no defender in sight. In a 1-on-1 situation, the advantage usually lies with the attacker rather than the keeper. This time was no different. Gaffer’s shot easily found the back of the net. The Necromancers had evened the score at 1 all.

It was the 78th minute that saw the next D&S opportunity fulfilled. Estrella Finau made a beautiful header to clear the Viking corner, and Lupe Tatu took the advantage given and moved the ball quickly forward. As the Vikings closed in he made a quick pass to Adella Iatarola. Known for her fancy footwork, Iatarola did not disappoint. Weaving through Viking players she made her way to their end of the pitch, allowing them to stay close. Then came a most amazing play. Iatarola snapped the ball off her heel and up the back of her leg. A quick spin followed and the silky-smooth pass was given to Gaffer in the Fmjphoenix box. Gaffer knew what to do with it and a very hard shot ensued. But the Viking keeper was ready and cleared the ball to the left. Unfortunately for him, Connie Klemens was there to easily place the rebound in the net before he could regain his position. The Necromancers now had the lead on the defending champs 2-1.

It looked to everyone that the match would end in a major upset, but then inexperience caught up with the Necromancers. In the 2nd minute of stoppage time, Horacio Wais made a hard tackle on the Viking attacker in the box. Wais was shown the yellow, and the Vikings got a penalty kick. That kick was just what they needed to even the score and escape the complete upset their offense would not have avoided. Final score Necromancers 2-2 Vikings.

No match is scheduled for tomorrow as it is Bettia Day. The Necromancers look forward to some frivolity before facing off against Nojika on the following day. The Nojikans earned a draw with ASMV today and will be looking for more points against us. But you can bet that we will be ready should the opportunity to present itself for us to pull the upset.

In other news, It has now been reported that the rankings used in our previous release were incorrect. This has been determined to be caused by lack of research from an SMC intern. The intern, who shall not be named, has been shown the door and will not return. We would like to also note that any and all rumors concerning the beheading of said intern are completely false - as of this moment. Other sources are now reporting that this intern now has begun work in Bazalonia. We have no comfirmation of this as of yet.

The corrected rankings for AOCAF XIV are as follows.

Group One

05 Sarzonia
06 Krytenia
11 Bedistan
12 Milchama
26 Iksonic

Group Two

01 Vilita
09 Bettia
07 Lamoni
08 Pacitalia
UR Geisenfried

Group Three

03 Nedalia
10 Fmjphoenix
15 Andossa Se Mitrin Vega
22 Nojika
28 Dorian & Sonya

Group Four

02 Starblaydia
04 Hypocria
16 The Lowland Clans
17 Bazalonia
23 Myrtannia

Our apologies go out to everyone involved. But we do hold to our predictions as to the outcome of the groups. Thank you.

Posted by: Andossa Se Mitrin Vega May 17 2006, 01:47 AM

River Dragons and Nojika fight to 2-2 Draw

This is Hal Rosh reporting live from somewhere in Bettia.

Today there is nothing to do but party. Yes, I said party. That is because today is Bettia Day all everyone else here is partying as well. Everyone, that is, besides the River Dragons. Head Coach Brittanie Imburg has the squad relentlessly running drills after a disappointing performance against Nojika yesterday. No, we didn’t lose that match, but a 2-2 draw is not the result she expected for her squad.

Nojika was supposed to be one of the easier chances for 3 points in the group, but someone forgot to let them know. And someone also forgot to tell the River Dragons they really needed a victory as well. But the score is now in the books and the River Dragons are on the practice field preparing for the next match against Nedalia, who will be looking to prove ASMV will once again be considered an AOCAF underachiever.

Let’s take a look at how things went for ASMV against Nojika.

The usually strong point of any ASMV squad is defense. This squad however has not shown any of that strength. Rob Hoeckman was pitiful at center back. No sign of the brilliance that was Genesis Galluccio before he was called up to the 1st team. That means the River Dragons have some work to do at the position. Do not be surprised if Pura Goffinet sees extensive time against Nedalia if Hoeckman fails to improve. Another weak spot was at keeper. Of course Jenna Jaffray was called up as well, and Georgeanne Mellet looked shellshocked as she surrendered the two goals. Levinia Colding may see some increased time here as well. The lone bright spot on defense was Dana Obensheim who almost single-handedly kept the game close enough for the draw.

For once, offense was not a problem area for the River Dragons. Broderick Wallenstein and Kabe Tribby both scored in the match. Beata Sjostrovic and Virgen Sacayanam both played well on the wings and earned an assist apiece for their efforts.

Nedalia is up next and we just hope to keep the score close. If the defense does not improve, it could be a really long match for us.

Posted by: Starblaydia May 17 2006, 12:06 PM

Starblaydia Enter Their 13th AOCAF
48 years on, White and Purple still going

As Bettia's 'Jubilation Day' takes place, Starblaydia's national team players and staff enjoy the festivities - but not too much, of course. Joining in the various parades and street parties around Sukatra, the location of Starblaydia's first match, the younger players were seen to be revelling in the foreign celebrations. Indeed, the racial diversity Al Maghrib and the city of Sukatra itself is mirrored in the Starblaydi team.

Witness the Druidan heritage of Geraint Evans, the manager, or Donii from Aquiliana. Ruiz, Adams, Vega, Asante and Matranga are some of the many and varied names in the squad, reflecting the make-up of Starblaydia itself. The make-up of their first opponents is similar too, with The Lowland Clans being made up of provinces rooted in England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales and Canada.

Very diverse.

Anyways, Starblaydia are - as they have been for the last 16 years - searching for an AOCAF record-breaking fifth title. So close eight years ago in Chicanada with a Third Place Finish, Cherry Garcia is aiming to lead her side to the Championship. The Fourth, Seventh, Eighth and Tenth Atlantian Oceania Cups of Association Football all rest in Starblaydia's trophy cabinet. Could the Fourteenth rest there too?

Posted by: Pacitalia May 17 2006, 09:02 PM

Blue Foxes can't put money in front of media's mouth
Pacitalian squad falls in narrow loss to Hawks after media predicts solid victory

CEFFINTON, BETTIA (PSN) -- Oops. Sorry, guys.

The Pacitalian media's prediction that Pacitalia would solidly take out a "nothing special" Lamoni side was sadly incorrect, as the Blue Foxes had many chances but failed to put one away, losing 1-0 to the Hawks to open the 14th Atlantian Oceanian Championship of Association Football.

The evenly matched sides sparred in a defensive showdown in which a lucky bounce for the Lamonians created the only goal of the match - Guy Abbott carried the ball past Alessandro Nesta and Francesco Manzanotti for the score in the 20th minute. The Blue Foxes had plenty of chances but the Lamonian defence was on top form, allowing 16 shots on goal by the Pacitalians but stopping most of the Blue Foxes' attacks.

At the other end, the Hawks' extra shot on goal (they had 17 during the match) proved to be fruitful for Guy Abbott's goal. Most of the SOGs came in the first 20 minutes, with Abbott's goal coming at the end of that transition.

The Blue Foxes were not blaming the media but were suspicious of wire reports claiming somebody on the team said they were "studying Lamoni" to death to try and find ways where they could be beaten, thus winning the Blue Foxes a match. But instead, captain Veranace d'Amantano is left shaking his head.

"Nobody on the team knows where that came from, nor does the management," he said post-match. "We aren't really disappointed with a 1-0 defeat because it's an improvement over previous results. We knew there was more to be done to get the win, but we have no idea why people would print about an obsessive study habit over the Hawks. It's a little odd to say the least."

Pacitalia moves on now to face Geisenfried here in Ceffinton. The Eagles are a team most major media networks are predicting to finish last in this tight Group Two, but if the Blue Foxes do anything but win fans here are going to be shaking their heads at what will officially be an underachievement, or the start of one.

The teams get a day off as Bettia Day takes over this great country on Wednesday.

Posted by: Vilita May 17 2006, 09:59 PM

Tidal wave threatens Vilitan Squad

A Tidal wave reported to have been caused as a result of unauthorized nuclear testing by the nation of Nojika has sent the Vilitan Cove skyward and brought destruction to the coastal areas of it's central landmass, the Tropics of Vilita.

It is unknown whether mass casualties were expected as early reports are still coming in. The Vilitan regional football squad was still in Longgeylin, Vilita preparing for their departure to the AOCAF tournament after they had a bye on Matchday one. Lonngeylin is believed to have suffered the brunt of the force of the wave, however, early reports are that 'The Shultis'; the facility in which the team was housed, is still relatively intact.

More to be imagined by yourselves, as this reporter is running for cover!!!!!!

Posted by: Lamoni May 18 2006, 03:29 PM

More than one way to get ahead

First, we would like to express our condolences to the people of Vilita as a massive Tidal Wave has struck that nation. It is now known that the Vilitan AOCAF squad was able to make it to Bettia, because the Hawks played them today. We comdemn Nojika for allegedly starting this Tidal Wave with unauthorized nuclear tests and suggest that Nojika halts all further such tests.

The Hawks had a good time during the Bettian 'Jubilation Day,' and even joined in some parades and parties. However, the team also had a moment of silence for the Vilitans presumed killed by the Tidal Wave.

The AOCAF match against Vilita was another defensive standoff; and resulted in a 1-1 draw with the Jungle Cats. This draw puts Lamoni in the number one spot of Group Two as they head into their bye. After the bye, the Hawks will face Geisenfried and Bettia. We suspect that the match against Bettia will be the match that determines who controls first place in Group Two going into the knockouts, and will plan accordingly. Guy "The Monk" Abbott scored the lone Lamonian goal in the match against Vilita.

Lamoni - 1 Guy Abbott (34)
Vilita - 1 (36)

Posted by: Sarzonia May 18 2006, 04:08 PM

And they're off... oops

Coach Brett Hancock's priority was to give a younger set of Stars a look so the team could develop its younger players, but after the team played to a "shaky" 2-2 draw against Bedistan, Hancock could be excused if he wanted to call up the senior team.

"We just didn't play our assignments very well," Hancock said. "We didn't concentrate on the defensive end of the pitch and we fell behind early (the Stars trailed 2-0 at the 15 minute mark)." Even though the Stars put on a furious comeback to earn a point for the draw, Hancock said he wasn't pleased.

"We conceded two goals against an archrival because we didn't concentrate," Hancock said. "If we focused, we would have had three [standings] points. I can't be happy about that."

Hancock refused to answer reporter's questions about the match being a tryout for the full-time national team job, but assistant coach Brian Wilson said Hancock "absolutely" felt pressure to perform well.

"He's the man my dad wants to replace him as the national team coach," Wilson said. Dave Wilson, who just retired from coaching after the Stars failed to earn even a single point in the World Cup finals chose Hancock as his successor. "A lot's going to depend on what the IFF wants or who applies, but I think Brett deserves the nod."

Several phone calls to the IFF's offices weren't returned by press time.

Posted by: Starblaydia May 18 2006, 05:12 PM

Lock Up Your Sons!
Evans lets girls loose on AS o' TLC

With five female starters and two on the substitutes bench, Starblaydia have never begun a 'mainstream' match with so few Y chromosomes in their 23-man squad. That's 'man' in the neutral sense, of course. Whether Captain Cherry Garcia, veteran Jade Matranga or bright young things like Jackie Maitland and Tabitha Di Bradini, Starblaydia's women footballers are truly making a name for themselves.

Tara Niodonna, anchoring the midfield at the age of just twenty-one, blasted in the first goal from the edge of the penalty area after a knock-down from Roberto Vega. The Allied States' keeper just had no chance to get his hands to the top corner before the ball flew in at great speed.

Though the boys from the Allied States managed to pull one back after Francisco Ibanez uncharacteristicly decided to pull out of a tackle rather than almost-certainly earn himself a yellow card. With 'Cisco taken out of the play, their Number Nine was able to link up to a well-timed cross to knock it past Ahab Maestas.

With Ibanez replaced by Tabitha Di Bradini and Donii on for Soperra, Starblaydia came forward with abandon to win the game. It was Jackie Maitland, 18 year old daughter of former Britannican international midfielder and Captain Henry Maitland. Henry, who retired during World Cup 25 with injury in the Group Stages of Nova Britannicus' last appearance at the World Cup. Jacke, however, is a looking like a fine young striker with bags of speed and an excellent touch. Though hanging in offside positions for much of the game, her movement was excellent as it confused and misled defenders. So much so, in fact, that she broke the offside trap and fired left-footed past the keeper for the decisive goal.

Starblaydia go on to face Myrtannia, who they defeated 2-0 four years ago, in the far-western city of Tamrida on Matchday Three.

Final Score from Al-Fath Stadium, Sukatra:
The Lowland Clans 1 - 2 Starblaydia
(#9 54) - (Niodonna 43, Maitland 76)

Posted by: Myrtannia May 18 2006, 05:26 PM

Not Exactly a Win, But We'll Take It

TAMRIDA, Bettia - The Dryads were out for blood against the Bazalopes on the field today, and it ended up being a story of twos for the Bazalonians again. Myrtannia's talented squad, however, prevented it from being win number two for Bazalonia. Forward Dania Figary had said that the Bettians had a target on them, and that the Dryads would do everything they could to defeat the Bazalopes.

They settled for playing a very close match against a team that went to the second round in its inaugural AOCAF. Bazalonia's talent was displayed early against the Dryads, as they scored both of their goals in the first half. Where Hypocria's offense was stagnant, Bazalonia's was more productive. First James Kantwell, then Peter "Wolfie" Hobble knocked in goals against Flo Krabel, and put the Bazalopes up 2-0 at the half.

Coach America McNany gave her footballers an earful at the break, with shouts heard out in the hall through the locker room walls. When the orange and blue emerged from the lockers, they looked to have a steely determination that they'd lacked at the opening of the game.

"We were a little lethargic in the first half; most of us went to Bettia Day parties yesterday, so our heads were swimming a bit," McNany told the press, "But I shook things up, and we went out there to prove that we're a different team now. No more getting shut out. We weren't about to lose to the Bazalopes after what Nev Gould said in their media."

And the Dryads were a completely different squad in the closing half, dominating on defense every time the Bazalopes attempted to cross into Myrtannian territory. Orpha Mega shined again, leading the spirited defensive stand with dexterous movements she's become known for in the MAFC. Then came the starkest difference between AOCAF XIV and AOCAF XIII for the Dryads - offense.

Down by two goals, the Drayds never gave up, and started to penetrate the Bazalonian defense increasingly often. Then, like a lightning strike, Dania Figary cut through Bazalope defenders and scored Myrtannia's first goal. As the fans began cheering and shouting again, the Dryads continued to attack. Five minutes later, September Rollock took a shot on the Bazalonian goal, which was deflected by the goal post. Deeann Massetti sent the ball back at the goal with a header, and the Dryads scored again.

That would make the final tally 2-2, the second straight tie for the new and improved Dryads. It was also the first time the Dryads have scored goals in consecutive games. Already, they have scored as many goals as they did in the entirety of AOCAF XIII.

"We would've preferred a win, but we'll take the draw. 0-2-0 is a lot better than 0-0-2," Massetti stated after the match, "But now things get interesting with you-know-who as our next opponent."

That would be the football behemouth that is Starblaydia, winners of four AOCAF titles and World Cup 25. This is the one game Myrtannia doesn't expect to win; the Purple powerhouse has far more experience and talent, and should pick up its second straight win, after defeating the Lowland Clans 2-1 on Day Two. Myrtannia plans to play their hardest, and focus on winning small battles on the field rather than the whole war. Last time around, Starblaydia beat the Dryads 2-0.

"We'd be happy with a 2-1 score, maybe another tie if we can manage it," Dania Figary explained, "But they're not a team most people would give us a chance against."

Myrtannia's hopes of a second round berth hinge on the Lowland Clans, 0-2 after losing to Bazalonia and Starblaydia. One more loss would eliminate the Clans from the playoff race, and give Myrtannia a gauranteed berth in the next round. At this stage, the worst Myrtannia could finish would be 0-2-2, which would beat out the Clans if they lose three. The Dryads look to lose to Starblaydia, but have an excellent chance to pick up a win on Day Four if the Clans continue to struggle.

Regardless of the final score, it should be an interesting match between traditional superpower Starblaydia and the improving Dryads. Myrtannia's fans will be there en masse, as usual with the sun burst banner, annoyingly bright colored clothing, taunting signs, and loud vocalizations.

Bazalonia - 2 James Kantwell (15), "Wolfie" Hobble (27)
Myrtannia - 2 Dania Figary (40), Deeann Massetti (45)

Posted by: Dorian and Sonya May 19 2006, 12:43 AM

2 Is A Magic Number
2 Matches, 2 Draws, 2 Points, 2-2 Scores in each

Queen Sonya had just made it. A late flight out on Bettia day, a long meeting with the council members in The Kingdom, and the flight back had all made her wonder if she would be in time. But now she was here at Pajajaran Stadium in Subarnas, Bettia. And the match against Nojika was about to begin. MD1 had seen the Necromancers pull an unexpected draw from the Vikings of Fmjpjoenix. What would happen today?

The whistle blew and the match was underway. And it was apparent very early that both sides were out to show offensive prowess, with little regard to defense. The first 10 minutes saw 9 shots on goal - 5 from Nojika and 4 from the Necromancers. But the keepers for both sides were in top form as every attempt was snuffed out.

Then Nojika got a score and the 1-0 lead. That fueled the Necromancers on and a series of furious attacks was finally rewarded in the 37th minute as Richie Pirieda blasted a literal rocket into the net. The score had been evened at 1.

The second half was more of the same. Attack after attack was turned away as the two keepers proved that they didn’t need defense in front of them. All in all, it would turn out to be a very low percentage shooting day for both sides.

10 minutes remaining found the Necromancers down by 1 with time slipping away. Head coach Camellia Trifiletti pulled left back Albertha Vasos in favor of another attacker in the form of Diamond Cummer. The young star of Naples FC did not disappoint. In the 88th minute Diamond found the back of the net on a brilliant bicycle kick off an Adella Iatarola corner kick. That would be enough as both Nojika and the Necromancers finished with their second straight 2-2 draw in this AOCAF.

Next up are the mighty Lions of Nedalia. The Necromancers will need all of their magic working in this one. The Lions are heavy favorites to win the group. And to add to their fury, they lost today in their opener 0-1 to ASMV. That means they will be out for blood - ours. We will have to keep the pressure on if we want another point in this one.

Necromancer Scoring
Gaffer - 1
Klemens - 1
Pirieda -1
Cummer -1

Posted by: Andossa Se Mitrin Vega May 19 2006, 01:07 AM

River Dragons Drop Lions

This is Hal Rosh reporting live from Akani Sands, Bettia

The River Dragons were in action again today as they faced Group 3 powerhouse Nedalia. After a disappointment of an opening match against Nojika, the squad from ASMV needed to earn some points in this one. And absolutely no one was giving us a chance against the Lions.

The match was furious as both sides tried to find an advantage, but met hard, physical defenses instead. The suspect play of the ASMV defense was nowhere to be seen as River Dragons appeared everywhere to shut down the Lion attack. Rob Hoeckman, in particular, looked like a completely different player. One in the mold of Unami Banta-N’bai. Hoeckman was everywhere, usually accompanied by Dana Obensheim as the pair made life miserable for the Nedalians who entered their end of the pitch.

For nearly 90 minutes this was the case. Neither side was capable of getting that all-important score to gain an advantage. But the 86th minute saw things change in favor of the River Dragons. The defender guarding Beata Sjostrovic slipped, allowing her to move freely into Lion territory. That slip was key to everything that would happen next. Virgen Sacayanam saw his defender move to stop Sjostrovic. He received the ball and moved forward. Then, as the defense closed in, he spotted Kabe Tribby alone near the goal. Tribby received the ball - nearly offside - and made a brilliant move as the keeper came out to cut down the angle. The easy shot gave ASMV the lead and a 1-0 victory over Nedalia.

That win proved to be the only one thus far in Group 3. D&S and Nojika locked in a second consecutive 2-2 draw for each squad. The two of them are currently tied for 2nd in the group. Fmjphoenix is 4th on their draw from MD1 while Nedalia now sits last on the table.

Tomorrow the River Dragons are off on a bye date. The Lions will face the Necromancers while Nojika squares off against the Vikings.

Posted by: Bazalonia May 19 2006, 03:33 AM

"The 2nd Matchday brings 2 2's" by Nev Gould

Once again the number 2 is haunting us, not only us it seems to be haunting the Dorian and Sonya national team as well, The Necromancers. During this second game day we got a 2-all draw against the Mrytannian Dryads "out for blood" due to certain comments made by a certain sports reporter (aka me). The Bazalopes took the lead early with two successive goals and it seemed that my prediction would come about.

James Kantwell opened the scoring for the Bazalopes in the 15th minute, after a magnificent pass from Anthony Creek setting up the striker for a great shot on the goal that sailed into the top right corner of the goal, just out of Flo Krabel's , the Mrytannian Goalkeeper, reach. The second goal was by Peter Hobble after a corner taken as Flo Krabel tapped another James Kantwell scoring attempt over the back line."Benny Boy" Peters took the corner and managed to get into the capable hands of Michael Irchov, after a few minutes of the Bazalopes threatening to score the ball was lobbed over to Peter Hobble who headed it past Flo Krabel totally confusing the keeper which way the ball would go.

And then another 2 goals for the 2nd team, Mrytannia equalled the scoreline just before the buzzer for halftime. Dania Figary and Deeann Massetti got through the Bazalope defense in the 40th and 45th minutes respectively. And so the Bazalopes currently lead group 4 with Starblaydia nipping at their heals with 3 points. Is it any surprise that the Bazalopes current 4 points is equal to two-squared? I don't think so.

I will leave you with a final thought, a win against Hypocria next matchday will gaurantee us finishing in the top 2.

Posted by: Myrtannia May 19 2006, 01:36 PM

Dryads Knock Off Starblaydia!

SUKATRA, Bettia - "What? We won?!" That was the majority reaction to today's matchup between four time AOCAF champion and World Cup 25 winner Starblaydia and AOCAF XIII doormat Myrtannia. Myrtannia has shown the region it's improved by leaps and bounds, gaining two draws thus far. No one could have possibly expected the result of today's match, though. Starblaydia were heavily favored to beat the Dryads, having defeated them 2-0 in AOCAF XIII. AOCAF XIV, however, would be a completely different can of worms.

"They're a very good team, and we really didn't expect to have a chance, truth be told," defender Filiberto Nedina told the press, "We just wanted to go out there and show we've gotten a lot better since last time."

And they did. Starblaydia came out and scored the first goal, just as every other Dryads opponent has so far in AOCAF XIV. It didn't take long, as 18-year old forward Jackie Maitland scored five minutes in. After Flo Krabel allowed the goal, the newly strong Myrtannian defense shut the door. No more goals would be allowed in the rest of the match.

It would take thirty minutes, but the Dryads finally did score a goal against the Purple Powerhouse. Drayds' captain Deeann Massetti got through the Starblaydi defense and scored, sending the Dryads' fans into a frenzy. At the half, the score was tied at one, and Myrtannia's fans were waving the Sun Burst banner proudly in the stands. The second half would see the Myrtannian defense continue to confound the Starblaydis, with Orpha Mega and Nedina sticking with the opposing forwards like glue.

Finally, the shot heard around the stadium, maybe even the region, came after September Rollock got through the Starblaydi defense and scored Myrtannia's second goal. It soared into the upper right corner of the goal, and the roar from the fans in orange and blue was deafening. After a big on field celebration as Rollock was mobbed by her teammates, the Dryads got back to business and kept the door firmly shut on the Starblaydis.

At the end, it was a 2-1 victory for the Dryads, the best game Myrtannia has played in its AOCAF history, and its biggest upset. Now, the Dryads sit precariously atop the Group 4 standings, after Bazalonia fell in action. The win gaurantees that Myrtannia will finish no worse than 1-2-1, thus granting them a berth in the knockouts for the first time in team history.

"We were surprised to hear that, but hey, we made it! If nothing else, we improved on last time, and that's what matters," Dania Figary stated, "Now we have to focus on sending the Lowland Clans home."

Myrtannia's final round robin match will be against the winless Lowland Clans, who they intend to take very seriously. A team in the Clans' position is dangerous, since they could be a spoiler, the sort of team that can throw a wrench into the machinery. The win over Starblaydia has brought the Dryads a newfound confidence, and they're eager to continue their new winning ways. Expect the offense to attack, attack, and attack again against the stumbling clans.

Myrtannia - 2 Deann Massetti (35), September Rollock (60)
Starblaydia - 1 Jackie Maitland (5)

Posted by: Pacitalia May 19 2006, 01:48 PM

O offence, offence, where art thou?
Blue Foxes held to scoreless draw with Geisenfried; frustration settling in

CEFFINTON, BETTIA (PSN) -- Frustration is enveloping the Pacitalian AOCAF squad after Matchday 2 for two reasons. One, the Blue Fox offence has essentially fallen off the map. And, two, because of that, the squad is 0-1-1 and dangerously flirting with elimination if they don't stay undefeated in their next two games.

The Blue Foxes had 4 shots on goal the entire match as Geisenfried shocked the favoured Pacitalian side with a scoreless draw. Geisenfried had 10 shots on goal and almost put the game away in the 88th with a high strike to the top left corner which resulted in a fingertip save by Cristianu Raduvani. The Blue Foxes didn't have any shots that came close to going in; all four were easily saved by Fredric Jaenicke. Another 1-0 loss, though, and the Blue Foxes, and their fans, would be scratching their heads.

Suffice it to say the only players on the team that have been outstanding are the defenders, Alessandro Nesta, Francesco Manzanotti and Rodrigo Bandali, and keeper Raduvani. In two matches they have let past only one goal, but on the other hand, the offence is lacking, now held scoreless over 180 minutes of play and leaving manager Lindifeu Zentrescu with many questions. Should he play reserves in match 3 or just have a massive motivational talk with his players?

Somehow the punishment only seems fair for the forwards and midfielders, whose play looks like that of a league third-division bottom-feeder.

"It's frustrating because we know we can do better," midfielder Simone Perrotta said after the 0-0 match. "For some reason, our heart's just not in it. We're not playing like we want it, we're not living up to our fans' expectations. We're a favourite to win, but we looked in the past two matches like we just stepped off the rollercoaster. Like deer caught in headlights; it's sad."

So now, Pacitalia moves onto face Bettia, a team they have, at both senior and U21 levels, had relative success with, but a team that is more than capable of handing Pacitalia a second loss and sending the Blue Foxes to the showers early. The Blue Foxes will need a big effort on Friday if they want to even come close to advancing through to the knockouts.

From Ceffinton, Bettia:
Pacitalia 0 - 0 Geisenfried
PAC: None, GEI: None

Posted by: Starblaydia May 19 2006, 02:05 PM

'the shot heard around... the region'
Crappy team beats Starblaydia. And?

Please remember to get this right: the Starblaydi team here represented in the 14th AOCAF are the second-best group of twenty-three players in Starblaydia. These are the players who are either too young and inexperienced or too old and decrepid to make the World Cup squad.

They're coached by a man who's ancestry places him in Druida, for christ's sake.

Now, admittedly, the second-best group of Starblaydi footballers have consistently been better than many of the 'best' teams from nations such as Lamoni and Pacitalia but such universal dominance - translated into a record-equalling four AOCAF titles in 13 attempts - cannot remain forever. Sometimes, someone has to step up and show Starblaydia's footballers that even the comparatively rubbish ones aren't the best in the region.

So, when an eighteen year-old girl who's playing only her second ever international football match scores against your team with only five minutes gone, you know that Starblaydia's in town and is playing you. When you score two goals against a team in white and purple, you know you're in dreamland.

Starblaydia next play Hypocria, their allies still living off the back of defeating Starblaydia in the Quarter-Finals of AOCAF11. Some people just never shut up when they win, do they? Whether Starblaydia will take their record-breaking fifth AOCAF title and add it to their World Cup 25, Under-21 World Cup 14 and Four Nations Invitational 2 trophies has yet to bee seen, however.

Ahem.

Final Score from Thamitra Gate, Tamrida:
Starblaydia 1 - 2 Myrtannia
(Maitland 5) - (Massetti 35, Rollock 60)

Posted by: Pacitalia May 19 2006, 02:21 PM

Well, that's more like it!
Blue Foxes silence majority-Bettian crowd in huge victory; jump from fourth to first

GABALFA, BETTIA (PSN) -- The Blue Foxes were more than aware they had to step it up immediately or face elimination. And with a travel schedule that involved an overnight bus ride from Ceffinton to the capital Gabalfa, you would expect a lethargic Pacitalian side to sit back and accept defeat before the match even started.

But that was far from the case as Pacitalia came out swinging, hard and fast to start, and their efforts eventually paid off as the slowly worn-down Bettian defence finally crumbled and allowed four goals for a Blue Fox victory. Keeper Cristianu Raduvani was once more outstanding and his efforts motivated the rest of the squad to step up their play for the win.

"Radu was great today," captain Veranace d'Amantano remarked post-match. "Absolutely outstanding. He had one of the best games of his career and his talent showed through everywhere. His determination fueled the defence, which let everyone up front know the back half of the pitch was taken care of, and it let us concentrate on what we were supposed to do: score. And that was something we just didn't have in the first two matches."

After lacking in offence, the Blue Foxes showed why offence really is their strength, with four spectacular goals that left the Bettian squad shaking its head in frustration. No goals came in the first half, leaving Pacitalian fans worried of another 0-0 draw or perhaps a narrow loss, but those fears were assuaged when d'Amantano finally pocketed Pacitalia's first goal of the tournament in the 54th off an outstanding give-and-go with Ambrosino Giurimano.

Giurimano followed up with his own rocket past Safwan Sulaiman four minutes later to give the Blue Foxes a resounding 2-0 lead over the Aroras. And from there, Bettia's defence collapsed fully, allowing a remarkable 22 further shots, two of which were goals: a second from Giurimano in the 70th, and the final tally from Andreos Charisteas in the 83rd.

d'Amantano also said manager Lindifeu Zentrescu held a combined two hour practice and team talk this morning to discuss strategies and scenarios, especially the look of the group standings should Pacitalia have lost on match day three.

"There is no doubt in my mind we would have been dead last, or close to it, if we'd lost today," d'Amantano added. Looking at the standings, he's right. Geisenfried is 0-1-2 after a loss today, and had Pacitalia been on the receiving end of a massive smackdown they could very well have been tied for last with the same record.

Instead, they've leapfrogged the idle Hawks and are suddenly atop what was predicted to be, and is, a tight group. That tightness has led to the following scenario: three teams now have four points in Group Two: the Blue Foxes, the Hawks and the Jungle Cats. Bettia is not far off with three points and Geisenfried is still in it, although they have just one.

From Gabalfa, Bettia:
Pacitalia 4 - 0 Bettia
PAC: d'Amantano 54', Giurimano 58' 70', Charisteas 83'
BET: None

Posted by: Lamoni May 19 2006, 03:30 PM

Hawks not idle on day off

Contrary to reports from the Pacitalian media, the Hawks were not idle on their day off. After a morning round of practice, they watched the Pacitalia/Bettia match (where Bettia lost 0-4 to Pacitalia), and then returned for more practice.

With the Bettian loss to Pacitalia; Lamoni, Vilita, and Pacitalia all have four points, with Bettia having three, and Geisenfried one. This is still anyone's group, but the Hawks have the advantage of facing Geisenfried next. Either Vilita or Pacitalia will have to lose or draw on matchday 5, and if Lamoni wins both of it's next two games, they will retain the number one spot in Group Two.

Lamoni's next two games are against Geisenfried and Bettia.

Geisenfried have not been doing very well in this group, but are still mathematically in competition. They would have to win both their next two matches to have a garunteed spot in the knockouts, but we don't think that they will win both of their next matches, especially when their upcoming match is against us.

Bettia has just lost to Pacitalia, but the Hawks will not take their match against Bettia lying down. Lamoni lost to Bettia in the knockouts of AOCAF XIII, and that puts a target on the backs of the Bettian squad in the minds of the Lamonian players. Expect this match to be heated; but hopefully not bloody.

In a note that will warm the Lamonian heart, our southern Myrtannian neighbors have defeated Starblaydia 2-1 today. Congratulations to Myrtannia, and we hope that they make it into the knockouts.

Posted by: Bazalonia May 19 2006, 06:10 PM

"And here comes the 2, again." By Nev Gould

And once again the number 2 has come to haunt us and our group with both matches being played to a 2-1 scoreline. The Mrytannain - Starblaydi match would be expected as a white wash. Even though the Starbladyi media stated that their AOCAF team was "their second-best team" still their position in the regional rankings (despite the world cup) would lead us to assume that Mrytannia would recieve a whompping.

But not so, after the only Starblaydi goal in the 5th minute, a lightning fast goal that seemed to catch the Mrytannian defenders napping, the Mrytannians turned this around with the help of some attrocious tactics by the over-confident Starbladi team and some seemingly inspired play by the Mrytannians. My congratulations for pulling a magnificent upset like this for the Mrytannains.

So What about the Bazalopes against the Hypocrian side? The First goal was a Bazalope goal, Michael Irchov and Benny Boy Peters combined to lure the defense towards them, allowing Peter Hobble to go round the back, a quick pass of the ball and a power shot by the Striker and Whoom Bazalonia up 1-nil in the 17th minute. However the Hypocrian side did not take this lightly and immediately took an aggressive counter attack which Jeffery Constantine could not prevent. Score 1-all 21st minute.

And there the game was a see-sawing event, each team had multiple opportunities to score but where shut down by strong and determined defenses. Half-time 1-1.

In the second half things got personall. With Andrew "The Bandit" Creek being sent off after receiving a red card for for illegal tackles, this was in the 78yh minute. A few others had received yellow cards but this red card proved the turning point of the match.

Despite being down to ten the team restructured into a 4-3-2 structure, It was until just minutes before the siren blowed, in the 89th minute that the Hypocrians managed to exploit the weakness and scored the extra goal. 2-1 at Full time, Hypocrians win.

Let's now look at the group table. With the exception of The Lowland Clans, this group is anyones. The Bazalopes have a bye next day but play Starblaydia on their last day. It seems that Myrtannia might actually win this group.

CODE

1 Myrtannia 3 1 2 0 5 4 1 5
2 Bazalonia 3 1 1 1 5 4 1 4
3 Hypocria 2 1 1 0 3 2 1 4
4 Starblaydia 2 1 0 1 3 3 0 3
5 The Lowland Clans 2 0 0 2 1 4 -3 0

The group is so tight that we'll have to wait till the last day to determine who goes where.

Posted by: Dorian and Sonya May 20 2006, 01:35 AM

Magic Number Shifts to 3
3 matches, 3 draws, 3rd place

The atmosphere was electric. Shubunkin Park was literally awash with a crazy atmosphere. The Nedalia Lions were here, and their fans were rabidly looking for them to erase the feelings that followed an opening match loss to ASMV. And The Kingdom’s Necromancers were here. Their fans had made the trip to see if their squad could pull off the most unlikely theft of at least a point thus far. The whole place seemed much more like a circus than a football match.

Queen Sonya Sabre sat in her private box and took in the sounds. If the crowd frenzy was any indication, this would be one hell of a match. And it did not disappoint her in that respect.

Nedalia would strike first, late in the first half. The goal was a magnificent effort that left the Necromancers reeling and a little drained. Luckily the half arrived without further incident. Just like the previous two matches, D&S would play from behind. It was a good thing the squad was getting proficient at that.

In the 57th minute, The Necromancers would even the score and secure their third straight draw. Cierra Samantha’s goal kick was short, but found Estrella Finau waiting to move it forward. A nifty spin on the far sideline edged her past the Lion midfielder who had hopes of taking the ball. Lupe Tatu received the excellent pass in full stride and quickly moved the ball on the attack. Two Lion defenders closed in and Tatu would give the ball up to a streaking Melonie Gaffer who easily beat both the defender and the keeper to earn her second goal of the AOCAF.

The score would end that way. 1-1 wasn’t so bad when you are ranked 25 points behind the side you stole a point from. That draw edges the Necromancers into sole possession of 3rd place in the standings. But let’s not kid ourselves just yet. Group 3 is far to tight to call. Fmjphoenix moved to the top spot on a 1 point goal differential over ASMV. Both sides have 4 points. We have 3. Nojika now remains with 2 after their 0-2 loss to the Vikings. Nedalia is on the hot seat with a single point. Not to worry, though. ASMV, Nedalia, and Fmjphoenix have all done away with their bye dates. Nojika has theirs tomorrow while we get stuck with ours on the final day.

Next up are the River Dragons of ASMV. We would like to think we can get another draw in this one. We really can. But what we need is a win. 4 points might not be enough to move on. It would really suck to be sent home and not play the next round - without a loss. Hmmmm.. Think about that one for a bit. That would really suck.

Posted by: Bettia May 20 2006, 06:17 AM

Matchday Three of AOCAF 14, and the good people of the Blessed Realm are preparing themselves for the Aroras' big showdown against their dreaded bogey team Pacitalia. As per usual, the streets are deserted as billions of eager footy fans congregate around television sets, big screens, computers, radios and other forms of electronic media, all to watch their heroes in action.

One such place is the Pie & Pixie, that oh-so-popular sports café in downtown Pifton. As with other neighbourhoods, the streets of this normally bustling Gabalfa suburb are quiet, peaceful, deserted, serene... even the familiar comedy tumbleweed is nowhere to be seen - perhaps even he's too busy watching the match buildup to... ah no, there he is, tumbling away quite merrily down Pifton High Street.

And so we cut to the Pie & Pixie, packed to the rafters with Bettians all decked out in green and gold. Spirits are high, as is the anticipation - could Bettia finally get one over the Foxes? They'll certainly won't have a better chance for quite a while - after all, the magnificent Stadiwm Bettia is the venue for today's match, a venue whose atmosphere has been known to reduce grown men (and the odd woman) to tears. But that confidence is about to be shattered...

Sat at their usual table, sipping their usual cups of tea and eating their usual scones are Glyn, Mick and Ali, a trio of the P&P's regulars, busily chatting about this, that and the other, assessing Bettia's chances, when all of a sudden, a sickened look descends upon Ali's face.

"Oh crap."

"Eh?" asks Mick, looking more than a little puzzled. "What's up?"

Ali points towards the door. "Look who's just walked in."

There, looking a lot less flustered than usual is George, their good friend.

Ali stands up. "George, what the hell are you doing here at this time of day?"

George looks a bit cnofused (but not as confused as the writer's spelling).

"Excuse me?"

"You're early. The game hasn't even started and... you're here."

"Yup!"

"But... why? How? I don't understand."

"Well, I'm sick to death of missing all those great matches. It's always the same - the Aroras play some of their best football, the match is an absolute classic - and yours truly misses the lot... well, except the last five minutes. And it's always some excuse. Take that game against Geisenfried... I'm all set to leave, I close the door and some bloody vacuum cleaner salesman stops me and wastes the best patr of an hour trying to flog me one of hose newfangled bagless cyclonic jobbies. Well, I'm sick to death of it, so today I left the house nice and early - three hours early to be exact, and here I am, ready for the kickoff?"

"Ummm, it took you three hours to walk half a mile?"

George chuckles. "Yes, it's quite a funny story actually..."

"Sod that, the game's about to start. COME ON YOU 'RORAS!"

Two hours later, and the normally bustling Pie & Pixie is still. An eery hush has descended upon the place. The hundreds of expectant fans are sat silently, their mouths agape, staring blankly at the big screen after being subjected to a horror show. Ali leans over towards George.

"Did that just happen?"

"I don't know? I can't be. It must be a nightmare. Yes, that's what it is, a nightmare. A quick slap and I'll be awake."

Mick promptly obliges by twátting George across the face. "Sorry mate, couldn't resist!"

"That... that hurt a little." says George, rubbing his cheek. "Damn it! It WAS real!"

"Four-nil? At home? To Pacitalia!? But... but how? How could this happen?"

"This is all your fault George!"

"MY fault? How!?"

"You got here on time, that's how! You're bad luck, you are - a bloody jinx. Whenever you're late, we always play well, but today you were sat there the whole time and, well, you jinxed the team!"

"Oh that's bollocks and you know it. And just to prove it... you know tomorrow's game against Vilita? Well, I'm gonna be the first one sitting here - you'll see, I'm not bad luck at all."

"NOOOOOOOOO! George, don't do it! We need to win that game!"

Will George REALLY arrive on time twice in a row?

Will he prove them wrong?

Or will our plucky Aroras get another tonking?

Posted by: Starblaydia May 20 2006, 12:15 PM

I tawt I taw a Hyppo'tat
Don't worry, we're good again

Jade Matranga: has there ever been a Starblaydi so blessed with her movement, positional ability and tactical brain on the field. Well, probably a couple, but no more than a handful. When Jade is in the side, you never quite know where she's going to play. Wide left, in the centre or through the middle, she's a constant threat to all the defenders in front of her. So constant, in fact, that she grabbed a pair of goals in this game against Hypocria, taking her career tally to ten.

Also on the scoresheet was Francisco Ibanez, clearing up after a corner and deciding to have a go from long range. He was booked for his threatening celebration and will miss the match against Bazalonia. He will most likely be replaced by Tabitha Di Bradini. Cherry Garcia rounded off the 4-1 win with a goal ten minutes from time, capping off a day when Starblaydia were back to their best.

Starblaydia will have to negotiate the Second Round of the AOCAF for the first time since... well, ever, actually, as they've always progressed straight to the Quarters. This time, however, a slightly different tournament structure from the Bettian hosts is sending all but four teams through to the second round, rather than give Group Winners a Bye to the Quarter Finals.

Starblaydia have never, ever, not never (and so on) failed to make it to the Quarter Finals of the AOCAF. To do so now, forty-eight years after making their debut in the competition, would be the biggest embarrasment since... ever.

Final Score from Al-Fath Stadium, Sukatra:
Starblaydia 4 - 1 Hypocria
(J. Matranga 39 & 72, Ibanez 51, Garcia 81) - (Morales 45)

Posted by: Lamoni May 20 2006, 06:22 PM

Geisen who?

Apparently, the Lamonian AOCAF squad was facing an newbie squad from the nation of Geisenfried. Given that fact, Coach Boldman decided to let the Lamonian reserves get some playing time in. Well, we can't say that we were suprised at the results. Lamoni's reserve 11 defeated the main Geisenfried team 3-0. The win places Lamoni in the number one spot of Group Two, from where they will have to defeat hosts Bettia in their next match if the Hawks wish to retain their first place spot into the knockouts. With two wins and a draw, this is turning out to be a jolly good group for the Hawks to be in to date. The worst that the Hawks can finish now is fourth, and that would require Pacitalia to draw against Vilita COMBINED with a Lamoni loss to Bettia.

The Bettian squad still has a big target on their backsides from when they defeated Lamoni in the AOCAF XIII knockouts. If that wasn't bad enough, Lamoni would have had an excellent shot at the AOCAF XIII cup if they had not lost to Bettia. Needless to say, the coach (as well as the entire Lamonian nation) will be expecting a big game from the rested Lamonian starting 11.

The Lamonian starters just might need that rest they got; because Bettia has gone with a highly offensive strategy. A good defense will help Lamoni tremendously in this match, but we hope that the Hawks don't neglect their own offense in doing so.

We have absolutely no idea who Lamoni will face in the knockouts, but our chances can only be helped by remaining in first place.

Lamonian Reserve Forwards Julio Makuch (24), and Lance Zynda (35, 39) scored the only three goals of the match.

Lamoni - 3 Julio Makuch (24), Lance Zynda (35, 39)
Geisenfried - 0

Posted by: Bazalonia May 20 2006, 11:20 PM

On their day off the Bazalopes decided to go and watch the Hypocrian vs. Starblaydia match. They decided to keep their attendance secret not going in their WC tracksuits but in ''normal" clothes. Most of the team cheered for Hypocria simply because they didn't like Starblaydia more. Despite this fact the Hypocrian team was dominated by the Starblaydi team. The Hyppos main positive highlight of the match was their goal just seconds before the half time siren sounded.

With the 4-1 demolishing of the Hypocrians most teams would be dreading but the demolishing just made them more eager to pull an upset. They did it against Hypocria once, they could do it again against Starblaydia. Well' that's their hope.

Posted by: Milchama May 20 2006, 11:33 PM

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Sports Section

The Warriors advance after uninspiring performace

After several performances that would put fear in nobody least of all our opponents the Milchama Warriors advanced to the second round today after barely getting one win and getting another draw against Bedistan. The Warriors looked uninspired and played poorly in many of their games. Of course things could change in the next round and according to Patrice Thibault they will as he said, "We felt pretty confident that if we just won one game we would advance and we had to do what we had to do. We did what we had to do and beat Iksonic and we advanced. Now we will be against tougher teams with more to play for and bet you a lot that we will be more inspired. If we are not more inspired then you can fire me and replace me with a different manager because I have failed my duty and am no longer fit to manage."

Well we can only hope for better results because the current ones are not too good. At least maybe a bad job in the group stage is a sign for advancement unlike the World Cup where a good job by Milchama in the group stage led to a crusheraiding by Fmjphoenix. We can only hope for better results in the AOCAF this time around.

Posted by: Dorian and Sonya May 21 2006, 01:12 AM

Necromancers Crush River Dragons - Qualify

Queen Sonya was completely speechless. So much had ridden on the Necromancer’s match today against the River Dragons of ASMV. It mattered little that the Necromancer’s were undefeated coming into the match, they were also winless. Three straight draws and a bye for the final day almost literally had the squad in a “must win” situation. No one in the Kingdom wanted to see their squad go home at this point. Disappointments in the World Cup and Cup of Harmony had the nation reeling for some good news.

The Queen was no different. She suffered the same heartaches that the different squads went through with them. And there had been plenty of that as of late. It was past time to show someone that we really do belong somewhere.

The match started poorly, as usual, for the Necromancers. ASMV’s Broderick Wallenstein had given the River Dragons reason to celebrate early as he put the squad up 1-0 after just 5 minutes of play. All signs pointed to a very long afternoon for the Necromancers.

But as they have proven time and again, the squad from the Kingdom relishes second half play. Not to mention that they seem to sleep until the opponent has an advantage. In the second half, D&S put on a show that no one who witnessed it would soon forget.

Lupe Tatu would find Melonie Gaffer for the first goal for the Kingdom in the 51st minute of play. That one evened the score. Tatu would play a huge role for the Necromancers in this one. The 65th minute saw him find Richie Pirieda for the go ahead goal. His hard work would be rewarded in the 85th minute when Gaffer returned a pass that set up an easy goal for Tatu. The Necromancers would leave the pitch with a convincing 3-1 win over ASMV.

That means that D&S is the only side that has earned qualification thus far with 6 points to top the group after 4 match days. ASMV, Nedalia, and Fmjphoenix all have 4 points while Nojika is just behind with 2. We would love to say that we really care about tomorrow’s matches while we have our bye. But we don’t. The Necromancers are in - shocked but in nonetheless.

Posted by: Andossa Se Mitrin Vega May 21 2006, 01:33 AM

Here We Go Again

This is Hal Rosh reporting live from Bettia.

And here we go again, Ladies and Gentlemen. The AOCAF luck of ASMV is poised and ready to strike yet again.

For those of you who have been buried under a rock for the past……oh we’ll say forever, let me catch you up to speed on ASMV’s luck in the AOCAF. And it is not good. In AOCAF XII, ASMV cruised early, even gaining a victory over Starblaydia. A qualification spot was held until the final day when Starblaydia took revenge for the loss by taking our spot in the next round. In AOCAF XIII, ASMV had much the same luck. Early favorable results, and a qualification spot, were undone on the final match day as Bazalonia moved on in our place. You can see where I am going with this now, can’t you?

This is now AOCAF XIV. The River Dragons earned a draw on MD1 with Nojika and defeated the mighty Lions of Nedalia on MD2. MD3 was a bye date and the lowly Necromancers of Dorian and Sonya posed the MD4 competition. This should be an easy 3 points for the River Dragons. Right? WRONG! The Necromancers came, saw, and kicked the -explicitive removed- out of us. And that brings us back to the way the past two AOCAF’s have ended.

D&S has earned a qualification spot. That leaves 4 squads all wanting just 3 more places. Interesting. ASMV now sits behind Nedalia and Fmjphoenix on goal differential at 4 points while Nojika is still lurking around with a chance to qualify as well. Interesting. ASMV faces Fmjphoenix on the final day. Not Interesting. It really sucks.

The scenario is simple. If Nojika draws or loses to Nedalia, we move on. But our luck says Nojika will win just to spite us. If that does happen, we must at least draw against the Vikings. I told you it sucked. Will we move on? We have been in a qualifying spot all along, so past experience says we are going the hell home now. Guess we just have to wait and see.

Posted by: Hypocria May 21 2006, 05:32 AM

On The Brink

The enthusiasm for international football that could once be seen all over the Autocracy seems to be evaporating. Where once the Hyppos could count on the support of untold millions, now the general attitude seems to be a collective “meh”. The World Cup has spawned countless disappointments, the Under-21 team has never managed to regain the heights it once reached and now the glory days of AOCAF XI seem but a distant memory. Not even qualification for the last World Cup managed to re-ignite the passions. And that’s hardly surprising. After stumbling through an incredibly easy qualification group the Hyppos were soundly humiliated in New Montreal States, losing all three matches.

And the AOCAF, for a long time the Autocracy’s strongest tournament, is delivering much of the same. A narrow win over Bazalonia is hardly much of a highlight but sadly it is the highlight. The men in blue and white failed against lowly Myrtannia and were handed a heavy beating by Starblaydia.

Now it seems the nation has reached it’s limit . . .

“International football is an expensive business”, HFA chief Alex Scott admitted. “So not only are we continuously embarrassing the nation we’re also paying through the nose for that dubious privilege. I just don’t see the point anymore.”

That statement has sent the newswires back home crazy and rumours abound that Scott isn’t just considering ending our AOCAF involvement but is instead contemplating ending the Autocracy’s participation in every major sporting event.

Posted by: Sarzonia May 21 2006, 09:16 AM

At least they'll advance

After Sarzonia flamed out of the World Cup with losses in each of their three matches, Sarzonia played three consecutive draws but with the format of AOCAF XIV, they'll advance to the second round of the tournament after last year's elimination from the group stage. It may not be the show of force Coach Brett Hancock wanted for his charges, but the Stars are moving on.

"We earned draws against quality sides like Bedistan and Krytenia," Hancock said. "Hopefully, we can pull off what we did in AOCAF XI." For anyone who hasn't followed the team's exploits, they earned one win and four draws in the group stage, then went on a roll all the way to the AOCAF final. The team's championship dreams ended with a 2-1 loss to Hypocria after extra time, but Sarzonia came back to win the title one year later.

A strong performance in the AOCAF tournament would go a long way toward convincing the Incorporated Football Federation brass that Hancock should be hired as the full-time national team coach, but Hancock said he's not thinking in those terms.

"Right now, I just want us to be ready for the next match and let the chips fall where they may," Hancock said.

Posted by: Starblaydia May 21 2006, 01:45 PM

Vega Bags 'Perfect' Hat-Trick!
Starblaydia take first, play hosts next

As if it's not enough to score three goals in a match, some fool has to go and invent a 'perfect' hat-trick. And, lo and behold, Roberto Vega only went and scored one against Bazalonia.

The definition of a 'perfect' hat-trick is simple, score three goals in a match: one with the head and one with each foot. After Jackie Maitland had put Starblaydia 1-0 up within twenty minutes, Roberto then went on a scoring spree, bagging his three goals before half-time. Starblaydia were 4-0 up at the break and subsequently started "taking the piss" and conceeded two goals before substitute Donii put the game beyond doubt.

Back to Vega, however, who's first goal was a flicked-on header from a Jade Matranga cross. He cleverly redirected the flight of the ball and put it beyond the reach of Jeffery Constantine. Just two minutes later he scrambled in a second, swinging a left boot at the bal during a goalmouth scramble and crashing the ball into the net. Just before half time he made it three, latching onto a Niodonna through ball and calmly firing past Constantine to make it three goals in nine minutes. This marks the thirty-one year-old's second hat-trick for his nation, equalling the two hat-tricks by Dasha Tolkacheva, but still behind Menecrates' record tally of three.

Though the whirling furry dervish that is Peter Hobble scored a brace of goals as Starblaydia thought they were cruising at 4-0, subsitute Donii opened his account for the national team in only his third appearance for the team.

Starblaydia now face hosts Bettia at the Alice Street Stadium in Butetown, and this will surely attract more Dwarven fans to the match than previous, due to their famous meat pies and lack of seats. Expect lots of short, fat, bearded types in the lower tiers waving purple and white flags and weilding inflatable axes - despite there being no Dwarves in this particular Starblaydi squad, they'll go anywhere for a good meat pie.

Final Score from Al-Fath Stadium, Sukatra:
Starblaydia 5 - 2 Bazalonia
(Maitland 18, Vega 33 & 35 & 42, Donii 76) - (Hobble 54 & 68)

Posted by: Myrtannia May 21 2006, 02:00 PM

Dryads Draw Again, Qualify for Knockouts

Somewhere in Bettia - Well, the Myrtannia Dryads recieved good news and bad news today, making it once again a mixed basket at best for the men and women in orange and blue. Firstly, after a horrifying performance in the last AOCAF, Myrtannia has qualified for round two in AOCAF XIV, with a draw against the lowly Lowland Clans to finish 1-3-0: technically, undefeated.

In a highly defensive match the Clans scored first, just before the break between halves. A goal went in past Flo Krabel, putting them up 1-0 at half-time, but the Dryads weren't about to lose a match in this AOCAF. Once again motivated by a halftime speech by coach America McNany, the Dryads came out and made a game of it, taking a lot of shots on the Lowland Clans' goal. Finally, one went in, courtesy of the one and only Deeann Massetti.

At the final whistle, Myrtannia had a 1-1 draw with the Clans, and celebrated officially quialifying for the second round of AOCAF XIV. They needed a draw or a victory to do it, and the tie was good enough to push the improved Dryads over the edge. On Day Five, Hypocria scored a win, and leap-frogged Myrtannia into second, with Starblaydia winning the group as expected. Bazalonia rounded out the group's qualifiers, sending the Lowland Clans home.

"It was the win over Starblaydia that got us into the second round, but the ties certainly didn't hurt. Now, we've got to figure out what we're going to do with our playoff berth," Dania Figary said.

That brings about the bad news: finishing third in group four, the Dryads were slotted to play a second place finisher from one of the other groups. They were hoping and praying for Dorian and Sonya, but no such luck there. Myrtannia now faces long-time AOCAF juggernaut and regional founder Vilita in the second round. Odds are heavily stacked against the young Dryads, but hey, anything's possible, right?

"I think that as long as we can control the tempo of the match, and play aggressively out there, we have a fighting chance. The Jungle Cats are really talented, so we'll see how we fare out there against them. We've never faced a Vilitan side before, so we'll see how this turns out," Massetti stated, "They said the same kind of things about Starblaydia, and we knocked them off. It's not over 'til the fat lady sings, I guess."

The Lowland Clans 1 - 1 Myrtannia
(44) (Massetti 78)

Posted by: Milchama May 21 2006, 04:19 PM

Milchama News-Today-Tommorow-Chronicle-Telegraph-Journal-Update -Register-Sun-Enquirer-Post-Gazette-Times-Picayune-Herald

Sports Section

At least we're good somewhere

The World Cup was very good for us as we won our group and advanced to the second round. The AOCAF though has been a different story as after a bad 3-1 drubbing at the hands of Sarzonia we go into the second round with little optimism or in many people's minds little chance of success after getting only one win in the group stage against bottom feeders Iksonic. The whole situation looks good but Patrice Thibault assured the press again that the play against Sarzonia would look nothing like the play against Lamoni. He said that the Warriors would play faster better and harder against the Hawks and said he would pull no stops to stop the Hawks.

With that speech by Thibault we give you the infamous Milchamian predictions for the second round:

Krytenia vs Fmjphoenix- A good match between two very good sides. Krytenia seem to do better in regional competition and therefore will advance with a 2-1 scoreline.

Starblaydia vs Bettia- This is THE matchup of the second round as former champions Starblaydia against the hosts Bettia. With the crowd fully behind the Aroras it will be close but Starblaydia will pull it out in the end 3-2 in extra time.

Andossa Se Mitrin Vega vs Bazalonia- ASMV seems to do better in tournaments than Bazalonia it is as simple as that and that means that the River Dragons will advance hear 2-0.

Lamoni vs Milchama- It should be an inspired performance by the Warriors as they try to prove the numerous critics in Milchama wrong. We have a feeling that the Warriors finally put it all together in a stunning fashion with a 3-1 victory over the Hawks of Lamoni.

Hypocria vs Pacitalia- The Hyppos seem on the edge of quitting international football while the Pacitalians have long tried to thrive on only regional tournaments and the U21 football cup. The Hyppos though seem to be desperate to prove something to the Hypocrian press and will win a close match in penalties after a 1-1 draw during regular time.

Sarzonia vs Nedalia- The Stars looked brilliant in their destruction of us today and we have a feeling that that momentum will continue as they beat the Lions from Nedalia 2-0.

Vilita vs Myrtannia- This should be an interesting matchup as Vilita has the history but has been showing less of a tendency to care while Myrtannia doesn't have much history but has one of the most active press corps we have seen at the regional level. With this pendulum swinging we see the rising new comers beat the sagging oldies in a demolition 3-0.

Dorian & Sonya vs Bedistan

Posted by: Lamoni May 21 2006, 04:59 PM

Hawks advance as 1 seed, play Milchama

With a 2-1 victory over Bettia, Lamoni has advanced to the knockouts as the Group Two 1 seed. Lamoni will be facing Milchama, who Lamoni should be able to defeat fairly easily. This doesn't stop the Milchamans from barking, though:

QUOTE

Lamoni vs Milchama- It should be an inspired performance by the Warriors as they try to prove the numerous critics in Milchama wrong. We have a feeling that the Warriors finally put it all together in a stunning fashion with a 3-1 victory over the Hawks of Lamoni.

Don't worry, we are sure that the Milchaman bark is MUCH worse than their bite. When we aren't rolling on the floor with laughter about the above quote from the Milchaman media, we've been running the numbers. As expected, they say that Lamoni should win this match, and advance to the next round of the knockouts to face an as yet unknown squad.

The game against Bettia was a 'must win' if Lamoni wanted to retain the Group Two 1 seed into the knockouts. Things looked bad for Lamoni when Bettia scored in the 18th minute; but Lamonian Forward Julio Sarabia scored two goals in the 68th and 76th minute to put the game away for Lamoni. Bettia faces Starblaydia next, in what should be a good game; though we won't be shedding a tear either way for whoever loses that match.

Here are our predictions for the knockout matches:

Krytenia vs Fmjphoenix

This should be a good match between two fairly even teams. We suspect that a coin flip will be the most accurate way of determining who will win this one.

Starblaydia vs Bettia

This should also be a good match, though we think that Starblaydia will be able to win this one.

ASMV vs Bazalonia

Another one that might be too close to call. Though, Bazalonia has been in the knockouts before while ASMV has had their qualifying place stolen from them the last few AOCAFs. That might affect things in Bazalonia's favor.

Lamoni vs Milchama

Let's put it this way: Lamoni 3 - Milchama 1

Hypocria vs Pacitalia

This one might well go into penalties. While Hypocria tries to prove that they still have what it takes, Pacitalia seems to thrive at this stage.

Sarzonia vs Nedalia

Sarzonia has momentum, but it might not be enough against Nedalia. This also should be a close game, but Sarzonia might pull it off.

Vilita vs Myrtannia

Most people would be starting to dig a grave for the entire Myrtannian team at this point, but we think that Myrtannia might well have a chance with Vilita's apathy.

Dorian & Sonya vs Bedistan

The battle of two lower ranked teams, we think that D&S might well win this one, unless Bedistan gives us a more inspiring performance than they have to date in this AOCAF.

Lamoni - 2 Julio Sarabia (68, 76)
Bettia - 1 (18)

Posted by: Milchama May 21 2006, 07:02 PM

"Hey I just read this Lamonian news report about your prediction for the next round and I just have to say good job."

"Why is that, sir?"

"Now we have two nations who consider our predictions as infamous and the more we have the better"

"I'll try to do more sir."

"Thanks Jonny"

Posted by: Bazalonia May 21 2006, 07:57 PM

"The Curse of 2" by Nev Gould

Once again the number 2 has cropped up in the Bazalopes match against. Not only did we manage to sneak 2 goals past the Starblaydi Keeper a feat only matched by Mrytannia, but both of those goals where by Peter Hobble in the 2nd Half.

If I was superstitious I think the number 2 is cursed, but I'm not and the loss that was expected from the Starblaydi team was 3 points. You could say those three points where scored by Vega whom the Bazalopes failed to shut down, despite seeing him in action. So the Final Score was Starblaydia 5 - Bazalonia 2.

The first half was an all Starblaydi affair with Jackie Maitland kicking of the scoring in the eighteenth minute. Jeffery Constantine Dived but choose the wrong direction letting the ball sail through into the net without a care in the world.

And then there was Robrto Vega, pounding in three goals. One after the other, after the other. 33,35 & 42 where the minutes that Vega scored his goals. No sooner than the Bazalopes had the ball then it seemed some error or some great tackling from the Starblaydi team netted them the ball, in more ways than one.

In the second half the Stars seemed to let Peter Hobble Through scoring his two goals which where finally answered by Donii, with his first international career goal.

Now onto second round (Yes, the Bazalopes made it again)

Our next match is against ASMV, who managed to take the top of the table in group in a very close group. Despite this I think the Bazalopes have a good chance as the differences between the two sides, though this is a game that will be very close and there is still a a general feeling of connectedness over the incidents that happened in the 2nd Draggonii Invitiational. This match will be held at the Docklands Park in Porthbalfa.

Posted by: Myrtannia May 21 2006, 08:25 PM

AIR 4 Presents: AOCAF XIV Knockouts Predictions
-OR-
Everybody else is doing it, so why shouldn't we?

Seeing as how other media outlets have been posting up predictions out there, AIR 4 - Myrtannia's Sports Authority, has decided to throw its hat into the prediction ring as well. Ours have been notoriously inaccurate, but that doesn't stop us from making them anyway! So here we go...

Krytenia v. Fmjphoenix

This should be an exciting match between the Jacks, who tend to do well at this stage, and the defending AOCAF champion Vikings. It should come down to the wire in one of the closest contested matches of AOCAF XIV so far. Call us crazy, but we'll take the defending champs this time.

AIR 4 Line: Fmjphoenix 2, Krytenia 1

Starblaydia v. Bettia

Could be a good match, but Starblaydia took Group 4, and has never failed to advance to the quarterfinals. We don't see them starting that now, even against the host nation Aroras.

AIR 4 Line: Starblaydia 4, Bettia 2

ASMV v. Bazalonia

Bazalonia has the experience here, having gone to Round 2 in AOCAF XIII while ASMV has been leapfrogged by other teams in their groups. Others are taking the Bazalopes, but we feel the River Dragons are hungrier for this win.

AIR 4 Line: ASMV 3, Bazalonia 1

Lamoni vs Milchama

Milchama is confident that they can pull a rabbit out of a hat on this one, but the Hawks are soaring after capturing their group title. The Warriors will be easy prey for the men in Red and Blue.

AIR 4 Line: Lamoni 5, Milchama 0

Hypocria vs Pacitalia

The Hyppos are trying to stay afloat in a sea of troubles on the international scale, while the Pacitalians are looking to advance. Should be a very tight game, but we'll take Pacitalia in a nail-biter.

AIR 4 Line: Hypocria 1, Pacitalia 1 (PAC wins 5-4 in penalties)

Sarzonia vs Nedalia

Nedalia is looking to rebound from a dissapointing round robin stage to get to the level that they were at when they reached the AOCAF XIII final. Sarzonia are looking for vindication after missing the playoffs last time, and just eight years after capturing their first AOCAF crown. We think the Stars will take this one easier than most expect.

AIR 4 Line: Sarzonia 3, Nedalia 1

Vilita vs Myrtannia

Foreign media is giving Myrtannia a chance in this one, with Milchama's exceedingly long titled newspaper picking the Dryads to win 3-0. Lamoni too has said that Myrtannia might well have a chance. We shall see. After all, nobody could've expected Fmjphoenix to have the success it had in AOCAF XIII, so maybe there's an upset brewing here.

AIR 4 Line: None

Dorian & Sonya vs Bedistan

Bedistan has been playing uninspiringly, and we think the Necromancers will boot them out of AOCAF XIV. Plain and simple.

AIR 4 Line: Dorian and Sonya 3, Bedistan 0

Posted by: Sarzonia May 21 2006, 09:08 PM

Stars clean Warriors clocks

Three matches, three draws for the Sarzonian second choice national football team in the group stage of AOCAF XIV. The results were enough to see Sarzonia through to the next round of AOCAF play, but Coach Brett Hancock wanted his team to have at least one win during the group stage to earn a better matchup for the second round and to gain momentum heading into the knockouts.

His team got that and more as Sarzonia rolled to a 3-1 victory over Milchama, marking the third win in three tries for the Stars over the Warriors. Xander Ridge scored two of Sarzonia's three goals and midfielder Carly Jones added the third in the 83rd minute to put Milchama away.

Sarzonia scored the first two goals of the game with just 25 minutes off the clock thanks in large part to Ridge. He scored the first goal by knifing through the Warriors defence and blasting a shot past Tuck Koolerc using what Hancock described as "pure power and speed."

"Xander just showed a lot of athletic ability, speed, and power on that one run. It's amazing that he's the old man of the team," Hancock joked.

Ridge showed more of his power as he outmuscled Warrior defenders to head the ball over Koolerc for a 2-0 lead the Stars took to the half. From there, Milchama tried to rally and cut the lead to one owing to their attack-oriented footballing play, but Jones sealed the deal with seven minutes left.

Sarzonia (1-3-0, second place in Group 1) face Group 3 third place side Nedalia (1-2-1) in the second round. Sarzonia have faced Nedalia several times and have great respect for the Lions, according to forward Drew Reali.

"We keep waiting for Nedalia to burst onto the footballing scene," he said. "Regardless of whether they do that or not, they're still one of our favourites when we don't play them. We're going to know we have a hard fought match ahead of us."

Posted by: Dorian and Sonya May 21 2006, 11:23 PM

Necromancers To Face Bedistan

The Queen was extremely pleased. Her own nation’s squad had qualified on the previous day, but the rest of a very close Group 3 was anything but settled. She had watched both games, 1 live on TV and the other as a recording. The matches seemed to be lacking in offensive firepower but really shined as far as defensive effort was concerned.

The first match saw Nojika needing a win over Nedalia to stay alive. 90 minutes of poor play from both sides found a 0-0 draw and the Nojikans packing their bags for home. We say poor play - but it could just have well be outstanding defensive play - but more likely the former. Nedalia also secured their spot in the next round by winning, but just what place would that be? For the moment, the Necromancers still clung to 1st in the group.

Up next was the Viking vs. River Dragons match. Whichever side came out on top would take the Group 3 title. If the two managed a draw, D&S would claim the group’s top spot.

Defense was key in that match. Neither side wished to give the other the advantage. But ASMV would go up by a goal and hold on to it for dear life. They escaped with the win and the Group 3 title, but the news is still good for the Necromancers - WE ARE STILL PLAYING FOOTBALL!

Now comes the all-important knockout rounds. As a #2 seed we are fortunate to draw a 3rd seed in our first match. And fortunately for us that 3rd seed is Bedistan. Even though they are ranked much higher than we are, we would still rather face these guys than Sarzonia, Krytenia, or Milchama - the other qualifiers from group 1. Bedistan finished 1-2-1 and went out with a miserable 0-1 loss to Krytenia. We will have to play at a much higher level if we want to move on into the next round. We did not lose a match during group play, but 3 of those matches ended in draws. That will not do anymore. Someone has to win now.

The press from newcomers like Myrtannia, and established AOCAF participants such as Lamoni have picked us to do well. Milchama on the other hand, declined even a single word on the match after careful predictions on every other match. No one is picking us to go down easily. Time will tell if they have chosen wisely.

Posted by: Andossa Se Mitrin Vega May 22 2006, 12:01 AM

River Dragons Not Only Advance - They Take Group 3!
Is this a practical joke?

This is Hal Rosh reporting live from AOCAF XIV in Bettia.

What would the River Dragons have to do in order to assure a move into the next round? Nothing more difficult than gaining at least a point from defending Champions Fmjphoenix. A Nojika slip-up would do the trick, but no one in ASMV believed that was going to happen. History said so.

So the River Dragons took the pitch, hoping their improving defense would do the trick. And it did just that. ASMV would take the match, and the group, by a score of 1-0. The win moved ASMV past D&S in the standings by a single point. That fact will have to be enough revenge for the River Dragons 3-2 loss to the Necromancers. It is highly unlikely we will survive to face each other in the finals.

ASMV’s first trip past the group stage will see them face off against Bazalonia. The Bazalopes took our spot in AOCAF XIII. We find it rather fitting to play them again now. Bazalonia is the 4th seed out of group 4 where they faced stiff competition in the form of Starblaydia, Hypocria, and Myrtannia. Now it is time for some revenge for last time. That does not mean the match will not be friendly. After the tragedy that struck Carrington in the 2nd Draggonnii Inviyatti, we do share some common ground. But we will not let that keep us from sending them home.

Now for our predictions:

Krytenia vs. Fmjphoenix. The Vikings had better figure out how to win again. Krytenia has it down to an art form and will eliminate the defending champs early.
Krytenia 3-1 Fmjphoenix

Starblaydia vs. Bettia. All sources say this is the toughest opening match. We agree. But all other have Starblaydia moving on with the win. We will be the first to say that home advantage will earn Bettia a huge win.
Starblaydia 1-2 Bettia

ASMV vs. Bazalonia. Milchama and Myrtannia both give us the advantage. Lamoni says we go home. We like the two on our side.
ASMV 1-0 Bazalonia

Lamoni vs. Milchama. Tough one. The Hawks are flying high, but we really feel as if their wings will get clipped by the Warriors
Lamoni 0-2 Milchama

Hypocria vs. Pacitalia. We do like those Hyppos. Hopefully a win here will make them see the wisdom of continuing their sports programs.
Hypocria 4-2 Pacitalia

Sarzonia vs. Nedalia. The Lions have played soft thus far. Sarzonia has played little better. This one will be close.
Sarzonia 1-1 Nedalia (you pick the winner after that)

Vilita vs. Myrtannia. Vilita is sliding and Myrtannia is charging. That will continue.
Vilita 1-3 Myrtannia

Dorian and Sonya vs. Bedistan. Bedistan looks rather careless in their play. The Necromancers beat us 3-1. Enough said.
Dorian and Sonya 3-0 Bedistan

Posted by: Lamoni May 22 2006, 04:08 PM

Lamoni turns tables on Warriors

With a three to one victory, Lamoni has taken down the Milchama Warriors.

Remember the Milchaman prediction? :

QUOTE

Well, let's just say that the Lamonian prediction

QUOTE

Let's put it this way: Lamoni 3 - Milchama 1

of the tables being turned on the Warriors came true in dramatic fashion. Coach Boldman sent out the RESERVE 11 to face the Warriors, and they did not dissapoint. It is our feeling that the person who wrote the Milchaman prediction will have to eat some serious crow.

When Milchama scored it's lone goal, it didn't even faze the Hawks reserve line. Lamonian reserve forwards Julio Makuch, and Lance Zynda scored goals at 20, 23, and 30 minutes respectively. The lone Milchaman goal came at 10 minutes into the match.

Lamoni faces Krytenia in the quarterfinals, and honestly has a pretty good chance of defeating them. When Lamoni defeats Krytenia, the only team that really even comes close to worrying the Hawks is Starblaydia. And now for our preditions for the quarters:

Pacitalia vs D&S

D&S is in virgin territory, and we are sure that Pacitalia will take advantage of this fact if they can. Winner: Pacitalia

Myrtannia vs Bazalonia

Myrtannia is putting up a much improved showing than in AOCAF XIII, but Bazalonia is doing the same. We used a coin flip to predict the winner of this one (no joke). Winner: Myrtannia

Krytenia vs Lamoni

Both teams have the best group records in AOCAF XIV, but Lamoni seems to be just that much better this time. Winner: Lamoni

Nedalia vs Starblaydia

Nedalia is struggling while Starblaydia puts on it's normal good AOCAF showing. Starblaydia is going to blast Nedalia out of AOCAF XIV. Still, there is a potential for an upset. Winner: Starblaydia

Lamoni - 3 Julio Makuch (20,23) Lance Zynda (30)
Milchama - 1 (10)

Posted by: Milchama May 22 2006, 09:37 PM

QUOTE (Lamoni @ May 22 2006, 04:08 PM)

Coach Boldman sent out the RESERVE 11 to face the Warriors, and they did not dissapoint. It is our feeling that the person who wrote the MilchamI(added for emphasis)an prediction will have to eat some serious crow.

So your Reserve 11 is better than our reserve 11

The Warriors fell last night in an embarrasing performance that has made many think that Alex Lans should now coach the B team and Patrice Thibault coach the U21s.

That is not the point, the point is that the Lamoni Hawks used their backup team to beat our backup team and did it in style. This is not a defeat we cannot let go quite easily. This of course means one thing for us, we must challenge Lamoni to a battle of our A teams in a two leg match one in Lamoni and one in Milchama.

The fact that our players had some food poisoning in them which caused them to weaken during the match had nothing to do with the loss we assure you.

Posted by: Myrtannia May 23 2006, 01:21 AM

Dryads Beat Somebody, Maybe?

It was a very confusing day in AOCAF XIV's knockouts, as three matches were listed differently in the schedules than in the official results. Myrtannia was scheduled to face Vilita, but is listed of having defeated Sarzonia. Whoever they faced, they actually won the playoff game, if these results are true to their word.

In a match we assume was highly defensive again, neither Myrtannia or their higher ranked opponent gained much of an upper hand. The opposing team scored first in the second half, followed by a Dryads goal by Dania Figary five minutes later. As regulation ended, the score was tied at 1-1, and extra time was needed to determine the winner.

Finally, in extra time, September Rollock found some daylight, and scored on the opposing goalie, sending the fans and team into a frenzy not soon forgotten. An enormous roar rose from the fans' throats, and the Dryads mobbed the hero of the day, Rollock. Once the dust settled, the Dryads walked away with a 2-1 upset victory over either Vilita or Sarzonia.

Now, the Dryads might be advancing to play Bazalonia, whom they tied in the round robin stage 2-2. If this is true, then a winner will have to be decided between the two teams this time. The Dryads are ready in that case.

"If we did win, and we are advancing, then we will face the Bazalopes. This time, we'll send them home packing," Filiberto Nedina told reporters, "Of course all of this is relative to the possibility that we beat either Vilita or Sarzonia today. If not, we'll have to play Vilita again or for the first time, whatever the case is. I'm just as confused as everyone else."

Of the possibility of facing Bazalonia in the Quarts, coach McNany offered this statement, "They're a great team - you have to be in order to reach the AOCAF's knockouts in each of your first two tries. We completely respect their talent, but we're very confident after today's potential victory. Myrtannia holds nothing against Bazalonia, though. In fact, the team sent Bazalonian sports writer Nev Gould a box of chocolates and a gift basket thanking him for motivating us to get this far. Now, we're going to focus on playing as hard as humanly possible, in order to beat either Bazalonia, or possibly Vilita."

Tenative Score:

Vilita or Sarzonia 1 - 2 Myrtannia

(49) (Figary 54, Rollock 92)

Posted by: Bazalonia May 23 2006, 04:24 AM

*Whistle whistle whistl*

"And the final whistle blows. ... The scores tied up at 1 all"

"In the this time before extra time gets underway, I think we'll have the minutes neessary, Let's have a look at the goals scored today in this match."

"ASMV took the lead early in the 1st half with a goal by Kabe Tribby in the 17th minute of the match."

<Re-play of the video>"A long header from number 18, Bulah Monteroza and he finds Kabe right infront of the net, Kabe scissor kicks the ball into the goal to give ASMV a one point lead."

"A Few minutes later in a Bazalope counter attack James Kantwell scored the equaliser."

<re-play of video>"And Peter Hobble has the ball in the corner of the field.he needs to take the ball into the centre of the field.. but he's having no Luck finding James Kantwell.. He's moving back up the field and Michael Irchov on the other wing is moving up with him. And Vegan players are moving away from James to Michael. Ah' it's a classic Lure, you can see the Vegan coach yelling at his players to keep on James but no... And yes, JAmes is now open, Hobble passes it to him and with out much ceremony he lands the ball in the top left corner of the net."

"The rest of the match each side tried to get one up on each other in what could only be described as friendly rivalry. No Malice but they sure did play hard. Despite no goals being made the rest of the match kept you on your feet. Time and Time again one team looked like it might break the deadlock but the other teams determination and desperation stopped it. And now let's return to the pitch as Extra time is about to get underway."

The Bazalopes have the kick-off...

"Benny Boy" Peters is taking it.. he lines up and takes... no the ball is sailing through the air towards the Vegan goal face an unexpected move by the Ex-captain and yes, it caught the Vegan goalie napping, the ball sailed through with the Goalie realising too late. The Bazalopes lead 2-1"

....

"In the dying minutes of Extra time, and the Vegans have the ball. Can they get another goal and force a penalty shoot out? Moses Bessemer has the ball on the right wing who passes it onto Broderick Wallenstein, Exhaustion is really playing apart on both sides, they have worked hard all match and you can see it in their faces. The Bandit attempts to challenge broderick but falls flat on his face. Broderick now has an opening, he shots and scores... ASMV ties the game as the final whistle blows. Onto Penalty Shootout.

Peter Hobble, Michael Irchov, James Kantwell, Benjamin Peters and Anthony Creek will are the Bazalope penalty takers.

First Shot.... and Peter Hobble makes it making the ball going over the top of the outstreched keeper

2nd Shot, Michael Irchov.... goes over the top

3rd Shot, James Kantwell... Manages to totally fool the Goalie and into the back of the net

4th Shot, Benjamin, aka Benny Boy, Peters.. and he makes it the ball just scrapping the goalies fingernails into the back of the net

5th Shot... Goes straight to the Goalie

Bazalonia wins 3-2 on Penalty kicks... And the Bazalope fans go wild. The Black and Gold fans are going wild with inflatable Bazalopes and chanting "Bazalopes" over and over.

Results from other 2nd matches, and the Bazalopes will play... Mrytannia in the quarter finals... No, hang on... We are just getting reports.. yes, aparently there has been a mix-up and the wrong teams have been matched up against each other. 3 of the matches will have to be played according to the official schedule. The Bazalopes will be waiting to see who they face in the Quarters. This has been BazSports live coverage of the 14th AOCAF in Bettia.

Posted by: Starblaydia May 23 2006, 06:16 AM

Once More To The Quarters, Dear Friends
Starblaydia knock hosts out, progress to meet... who?

Though there's somewhat of a dispute over who Starblaydia will be playing in the Quarter-Finals, the fact is that Starblaydia are in the last eight. It wasn't easy for them to get there, though, as a seven-goal thriller (yeah it's a cliche, but it's true! - Ed.) against Bettia proved.

Though Starblaydia's attacking intentions have always been known, it is in Bettia where the true notion of 'Takil' can be shown. Playing very much in the style of the old Nova Britannican teams, Starblaydia were ready for the Bettian onslaught. Being ready is one thing, but being able to deal with what's coming is quite another.

Obviously bouyed by their home crowd, Bettia surged at Starblaydia throughout the ninety minutes. Marshalled excellently by Alberto Belmozzi and 'Cap'n' Ahab (Maestas), Starblaydia held firm for all of three minutes. Gwrlais Devanallt, of Akini Sands, left Leo Velaise for dead and simply knocked it, one-on-one, past Maestas in the Starblaydi net. Cue much celebration and waving of yellow and green flags. Devanallt came at Starblaydia again and this time scored a second goal from a corner, completely unmarked as Bettia flooded the box.

Somewhat humiliated, but not broken, Starblaydia clawed their way back from two-nil down. Tara Niodonna, just past the half-hour mark, was the one to give Starbladia real hope again as she led a counter-attack through the middle of Bettia's stretched defence. Taking the ball through the middle deep into the Bettian half, she layed it out wide to Jade Matranga and then broke free in to the penalty area, receiving the perfect low cross to stab into the back of the net. Just before half-time Starblaydia were level for the first time since the third minute as a Velaise was obviously making up for his earlier error by surging into the box. Roberto Vega passed for a "white-shirted blur" that was flying past him, and one toe-poke later Starblaydia were level.

That didn't last too long, however, as Tariq Al-Jahani scored pretty much straight from Bettia's kick-off with the final kick of the first half. The winger out-paced Tabitha Di Bradini and fired, first time, low across the body of Maestas. Bettia Three, Starblaydia Two.

That was on hell of a first half, but the second just couldn't live up to it. Not until the last ten minutes, that is. A second half of tense, nervy play was topped off by two excellent - and timely - Starblaydi goals. Jackie Maitland got her fourth in five games - an excellent run for the 18 year old debutant - to make it 3-3 and the left-back Magdalena Ruiz struck and excellent curling left-foot shot that bewildered Safwan Sulaiman and gave Starblaydia the victory in the final minute of the game.

Bloody hell, what's next?

Final Score from Alice Street, Butetown:
Starblaydia 4 - 3 Bettia
(Niodonna 32, Velaise 45, Maitland 81, Ruiz 90) - (Devanallt 4 & 19, Al-Jahani 45+1)

Posted by: Pacitalia May 23 2006, 02:30 PM

Erased
Blue Foxes come from way behind to down the Hyppos

AKANI SANDS, BETTIA (PSN) -- Five alive.

That's what nearly 20,000 Pacitalian fans were chanting over the jeers of the Hypocrian and Bettian fans after the Blue Foxes overcame a 3-0 deficit to win 5-3 in front of a packed house at Akani Sands' wonderful Shubunkin Park complex.

After nuking the Aroras with a 4-0 victory in the group stage, Bettian fans were not too happy with the Blue Foxes, who continue to be their perennial bogey side - in senior and under-21 football, and recently in ice hockey as well. Their contempt for the Blue Foxes showed through Monday afternoon; many Bettian fans arrived wearing blue and white and chanting anti-Pacitalian slogans, anxious to see the Blue Foxes knocked out by a strong Hypocrian side.

This was not the result they were looking for.

After a back-and-forth first twenty minutes, Nuno Morales kickstarted the scoring in the match in the 22nd with an outstanding curler to the top right that beat Cristianu Raduvani by literally millimetres. However, the goal shook the Blue Foxes' confidence just enough that the goal, combined with the majority of the crowd being against them, started the Blue Foxes on a bad slide. By the 40th minute, Morales had scored once more followed by an excellent setup of Matt Dorigo for the Hyppos' third tally, to give the Hypocrian side a commanding 3-0 lead on the Pacitalians.

Halftime was no less noisy, as the Bettian and Hypocrian fans continued to jeer at an empty field, showing their absolute pleasure at the standing scoreline. Many of them were on their feet, singing the Bettian and Hypocrian anthems, arm in arm, dancing to absolutely no music, except that of a 3-0 advantage. But that, combined with an apparently brilliant and inspiring team talk from manager Lindifeu Zentrescu, and the Blue Foxes were more than prepared to get back into the match. Four goals in forty-five minutes was a mountain, but the team emerged from the showers stony-faced and looking confident.

What ensued can be considered as one of the greatest comebacks in AOCAF history.

Just thirty-nine seconds into the second half, Veranace d'Amantano found an opening between Lucas Vyntra and Marc Bava, streaked through and slammed a shot home to bring the score to 3-1. Then six minutes later, he fed Ambrosino Giurimano, who also streaked through a weak spot between Vyntra and Bava, and beat Andy Meyde low: already 3-2 in the 52nd. Both Vyntra and Bava were substituted after that, with the replacements moving to the outside while starters Steve Jenkins and Craig Luciano were shuffled to the centre to try and plug the hole. It worked for twelve minutes.

Giurimano feinted as though he was going to streak forward, drawing Jenkins and Luciano to him but he quickly heeled the ball back to a charging Cristoferi Zomanali, who exploited the gap that had been created by Luciano's inward start, entering the box and sending the ball high to the left past Meyde to equalise, 3-3 just inside the 65th. The Bettian jeers were still there, but the Hypocrian fans were silenced and the hysteria from the Blue Fox supporters began to set in over the full house in Akani Sands.

The Blue Foxes received another scare when Dorigo broke past Francesco Manzanotti in the 71st and appeared to be well on his way to putting the Hyppos back up on top, but he nailed the ball too low and it sailed almost one hundred feet over the crossbar to the dismay of an increasingly noisy Hypocrian crowd. That lost opportunity sent the Hyppos into a spiral which would then cost them the match.

The Blue Foxes controlled play down the stretch and an increasingly frustrated Hypocrian side let the Pacitalians know. Jenkins tripped Giurimano in the 76th just outside the 22-yard box and was yellow-carded for his efforts. Pacitalia received its third free kick of the match, and the third time was a charm, as Giurimano nailed the ball perfectly, watching as it curved high and right, then fell beautifully into the top right corner of the net, past Meyde for the Blue Foxes' first lead. Pacitalian fans were on their feet at this point, cheering and screaming for more.

The Blue Foxes had done it; they had come all the way back - now they just needed to hold on and/or score again to solidify victory. And they did both, as Charisteas got in on the action on a penalty kick in the 84th (friendly Steve Jenkins tripped him and was sent off). He sent the ball low to the right for a 5-3 lead and the win, capping off a perfect comeback and an excellent second-half effort by the Blue Foxes.

As the match ended, some outraged Hyppo fans threw bottles and chairs down on the pitch in the direction of the celebrating Blue Fox players. There is no word on whether the Football Association of Bettia will fine the Hypocrian Football Association for this poor display but it was largely ignored by the team and the fans, some of which, despite the fact that this was nowhere near the Cup final, ran onto the pitch to celebrate the massive come-from-behind victory.

Pacitalia now moves onto play the Bedistani side in the quarterfinals. The Blue Foxes are hoping to better their finish in AOCAF13, where they held Krytenia to a scoreless draw before succumbing to the Jacks in penalties. Bedistan is coming off a narrow defeat of Dorian and Sonya and will also be looking for a strong showing in the quarters. There's no doubt it should be an excellent match.

From Akani Sands, Bettia:
Hypocria 3 - 5 Pacitalia
HYP: Morales 22', 34' / Dorigo 40'
PAC: d'Amantano 46' / Giurimano 52', 76' / Zomanali 65' / Charisteas 84' (pen.)

Posted by: Bedistan May 23 2006, 02:46 PM

We're in WHAT round?

While of course the upcoming World Cup semifinal against Hockey Canada is at the front of the minds of the Bedistani football faithful, it turns out that we're also doing unusually well in another competition. Believe it or not, Bedistan's B-team has actually managed to reach the quarterfinals of the AOCAF. Yes, that's right, the quarterfinals.

Bedistan's AOCAF history is so unimpressive that most expected the team to not even have the slightest chance against Dorian and Sonya - nothing against the Necromancers, but come on, people, this ain't our first rodeo. The match was by no means a cakewalk, but it was still a comfortable win for Bedistan, who now go on to face Pacitalia in the quarterfinals. This match could be troublesome - as a nation that does not participate in the World Cup, Pacitalia's strongest players are all free for the AOCAF, and the Blue Foxes aren't expected to pull any punches. It would probably take a miracle for Bedistan's AOCAF team [which, for the record, has no official nickname, though it could probably use one] to progress to the semis.

Posted by: Sarzonia May 23 2006, 05:26 PM

Lions feast on Stars 2-1

With a very young roster that was two players short of being an Under 21 national team, the Sarzonian national football selection that lost to Nedalia 2-1 in the second round of AOCAF XIV was viewed by some in the Incorporated Football Federation as having overachieved to get to a second place finish in its group. However, Coach Brett Hancock disagreed.

"I think we underachieved to be perfectly honest," Hancock said. "We had our chances to finish first in the group and we just didn't take advantage. I don't know if that's a reflection on having a young team or on me as a head coach."

The Stars finished 1-3-0 in the group stage, earning six points in four matches, but the team's inexperienced backline cost the team two goals.

"We just didn't mark the players we were supposed to mark," said assistant coach Brian Wilson. "That's going to be something we'll address and deal with next time out for this bunch."

While Hancock may have been negative about his coaching job for the team, the IFF wasn't.

"Brett said his team underachieved," one official who asked not to be identified asked. "Are you kidding? That team played extremely well for a team as inexperienced as it was. If anything, Brett enhanced his chances of getting the full-time gig with that performance. If we win the Dragon Invitational again, he's got it in the bag."

Posted by: Myrtannia May 23 2006, 06:34 PM

Dryads Slam Door on Jungle Cats, Advance to Quarts!

SUKATRA, Bettia - In their very first playoff matchup (disregard the relativist story posted up earlier), the Myrtannia Dryads had looked to be severe underdogs against traditionallly good Vilita. Most publications in Atlantian Oceania had Myrtannia pegged for the upset of the Jungle Cats, however, but time would tell who was in the right. As it turned out, Myrtannia fulfilled the prophecies of the foreign sports writers.

Vilita may have been the Goliath on paper, but their apparent apathy doomed them from the very beginning of the match. During just the national anthems presentation, the Vilitan contingent present were half sitting, the other half akwardly silent, mulling about in place. The fans in orange and blue from Myrtannia, in contrast, were all at dutiful attention, singing or shouting out the words to 'Stand Strong, Beloved Isles' as the Sun Burst was raised at the stadium. On the field, too, the Dryads seemed far more motivated than their Vilitan counterparts.

As put in the ASMV predictions, Vilita was suffering a slide of late, while the Dryads were surging. Myrtannia came in third place from Group 4, but unbeaten with one win and three draws. That one win came against AOCAF powerhouse Starblaydia, and it has been the Starblaydis' only loss so far in the tournament. But, back to the action on the field.

Normally in AOCAF XIV, the Dryads were scored on first before coming back to tie, or in the Starblaydia match, to win. This time, however, Myrtannia's defense, the bane of the Dryads' existance in AOCAF XIII, held firm against the Jungle Cats' attacks. Orpha Mega and Filiberto Nedina helped to check all invasions of Myrtannian territory. The defense set a new team record, allowing only 10 shots on the goal the entire match. All of those shots were off target or stopped by the inspired play of goal keeper Flo Krabel.

"They tried, but we just refused to let them get any headway on us," Krabel said, "We were determined to get this win, however we had to do it. Because if we don't win, we go home, and we've come too far already to be sent home in the first round."

With the defense playing the best it's ever played, the offense was free to attack, attack, and attack again. A veritable blitzkreig of an offense kept the Jungle Cats on their heels, and it wasn't long before something had to give. That came when Myrtannia's team captain and goal leader, Deeann Massetti, charged ahead and scored the Dryads' first goal in the fifteenth minute of action. The fans launched to their feet at that, their cheers on an equal level of noise of the Vilitans' jeers and sighs of indifference.

"Once we got that one in, we figured, 'eh, let's try and get another, see what happens'," forward Dania Figary told the press.

The rest of the half was quiet as the teams dueled for position, and Vilita's goalie struggled to keep the ball away from the goal. At the half, Myrtannia had a 1-0 lead, the first time they've ever led at the break in all of AOCAF XIV.

Already up by a goal, the Dryads continued to attack in the second half, pushing the Jungle Cats back at every opportunity. Finally, Massetti found her way into the Vilitan defense again, and got the ball into the net again. Now the Dryads were up by two, the all-time highest margin any Myrtannian football team has ever led anyone by (3-1 W v. Dorian and Sonya in AOCAF XIII). But Myrtannia's offense show wasn't over yet.

Nearing the end of the match, the Vilitans simply seemed determined to save face, but Nedina took the ball away as they finally started pressing the attack again. A pass to Figary downfield set up a beautiful pass to September Rollock, who hammered the ball past the Jungle Cats' goalie for the score. When the final gun sounded, Myrtannia's fans roared louder than at any other time in their AOCAF XIV experience, the win against Starblaydia included. Sun Bursts waving, the team dogpiling on the field, you would've thought Myrtannia had just won the whole thing, rather than just one playoff match.

It was the first time Myrtannia have won a match by more than two goals, the first playoff appearance AND victory, their first shut out win, and the first time the Dryads have one more than one match in a single AOCAF. Their record now stands at 2-3-0.

"We're happy just to make it this far, but to win so decisively against a long-standing AOCAF team like Vilita is truly vindicating. Now, I feel, we've proved to the region at large just how much improved we are over last time," coach McNany said at a press conference after the match, "We celebrated on the field, but now we're going to focus with a steely resolve on Bazalonia."

Indeed, Myrtannia's next matchup is against Bazalonia, who were 3-2 winners on penalty kicks against a defensive-minded ASMV side. Last time these teams played, they ended up with a 2-2 tie. While the Bazalopes are riding high after pulling out a tough win, Myrtannia is soaring and very confident after eliminating Vilita in convincing fashion. Despite earlier antimosity between the Dryads and Bazalopes, the Myrtannians seem to have made their peace with the previous situation.

"In fact, we as a team sent Bazalonian sportswriter Nev Gould a gift basket and chocolates, thanking him for motivating us to get this far. His words may have been callous, but we've turned out all the better for it. Now, we hope he won't mind terribly if we knock out the Bazalopes," Orpha Mega announced at the press conference, a slightly sarcastic smile on her face.

The Myrtannia Dryads have made it farther than anyone could have ever expected, but the show's not over yet. They have an excellent chance to do better than the last match against Bazalonia, and show all signs of being able to do just that. It should be an exciting game between two talented sides, but Myrtannia has the momentum to carry them forward. Bazalonia had to go to extra time and penalties to advance, though admittedly their first round opponent was more involved both from a media and a fan perspective.

So, once again, the final score(!) from Sukatra, Bettia:
Myrtannia 3 - 0 Vilita
(Massetti 15 & 55, Rollock 89)

Posted by: Bazalonia May 24 2006, 12:38 AM

"Mrytannia Confirmed" by Nev Gould

And in an interesting turn of events Mrytannia has been once again been confirmed as Bazalopes rivals in the Quarter finals. This is both nations first appearance in the AOCAF Quarter Finals but we managed the second round in our first while they didn't.

Expect another tight match with the Dryads as they certainly showed that you can't judge a team by their rankings, but have showed determination, desperation and the skills needed to beat Vilita by 3-0.

Bazalonia and Mrytannia are the up and coming nations of the AOCAF and many of the comments about this upcoming match have shown exactly why. Both teams are expecting great performances on the field but it will be who ever is better on the day. I wish all the best to our Mrytannian friends, and thank them for the chocolates they sent. But I will predict a narrow Bazalonia win, whether that be in penalty kicks or or Extra time, it doesn't matter, but it will be close.

Posted by: Nedalia May 24 2006, 10:41 AM

SAAS vs. SDL?

Gabalfa, Bettia - You know you cant resist it. Two quarter-final matchups, two SDL nations lining up against their SAAS counterparts. While Krytenia will be battling one of Nedalia's closest allies, Lamoni, the B-Lions will be facing off against the favorites, Starblaydia. Quite the intriguing match-up.

Starblaydia have not proven any of the experts wrong, performing admirably through the group stages and defeating the home squad in a nail-biter, 4-3. But now they face Nedalia, who advanced to the Finals last competition before falling to champions Fmjphoenix, 3-1. They overturned that defeat, however, in the group stages this time around, defeating the champions 1-0 in a hotly contested game.

While the B-Lions stumbled through the group stages, they managed to defeat their long-time allies and favorites, Sarzonia, in the 2nd round. Caretaker boss, Garson Bostolk, commented by saying, "Its always an amazing experience going up against Sarzonia, and even if we lost, it would have been a good time. Theyre a great squad made up of some amazing personalities. Theyre simply right up as one of the squads we always look forward to watching or facing."

Since the Nedalia Lions exist from World Cup 28, manager Brent Vent, who officially handed in his resignation as he promised, has been helping Bostolk, not coincidentally resulting in Nedalia's change of form. In fact, a bunch of players from the World Cup, including Nene and Constantine, have made their way to Bettia to help support their understudy team on the bench.

"Its great what those lads did," suggested Vent. "Its exactly that type of attitude we need if we want to defeat one of the greatest teams in the world. Starblaydia is an unbelievable team. Forget the politics, they simply demand respect every time they take the pitch. But our lads are capable, and hopefully theyll show those bloody 'bladis a thing or two before its over."

Here's hoping they will. Afterall, imagine the SDL getting one over the SAAS and the fit Tiberius would go through. Indeed.

Posted by: Starblaydia May 24 2006, 11:50 AM

Starblaydia To 'Dictate' Play
Evans not confusing politics with AOCAFs

It's not some kind of AOvision song contest, it's a football match, the Quarter-Final of the AOCAF, no less. After a Second Round involving all but four qualifying teams, some Nedalian pundits are depicting the Starblaydia/Nedalia and Krytenia/Lamoni matches as the two major alliances with AO going head-to-head in the sporting arena.

"This isn't about what we call our heads of state," said manager Geraint Evans, "this is about who puts the most goals in their opponent's net. It always has been."

Evans, a key component in Starblaydia's AOCAF4-winning side when he scored the winner in the Final against NEWI Cefn Druids, has led the AOCAF side - unsuccessfully as far as championships go - for the last few tournaments but feels this time his side have the potential to go all the way.

"We've got some truly excellent young players in this side, both men and women, and blended with our experienced players I think I have the perfect combination to take the AOCAF for a record fifth time."

QUOTE (Sven Motsonsson - Starblaydi Commentator @ 4th AOCAF Final)

61 minutes:
"Evans, the Half-Druidish midfielder for Starblaydia, taking the ball inside, around Leicester. Here's the shotttt... Oh my! Where did he get that from? Geraint Evans has put Starbladyia back in the lead after just five minutes with a peach of a strike. At Hallad Reavers he could have had a Goal of the Season competition all on his own, but none of them were with his left foot! A thirty-yard wonder-goal!!

Posted by: Lamoni May 24 2006, 03:20 PM

Hawks defeat Krytenia, face Pacitalia again

With a bicycle kick that landed in the upper right corner of the goal, Lamonian forward Julio Sarabia scored the goal that knocked Krytenia out of AOCAF XIV. Of course, there was more to it than that. Sarabia also faked the Krytenian goalkeeper 'out of his shirt;' with a fake kick to the other side of the goal before passing it to 'The Monk' Abbot, who passed it back high enough for the bicycle kick.

The Lamonian defense was then able to ensure that the lethargic looking Krytenian offense couldn't score a goal during the entire match. This can be seen as a good warm up match for the Hawks as they face Pacitalia next in the Semi Finals. This makes only the third time that Lamoni has made it this far, and there is only one major obstacle to a Lamonian AOCAF cup win. That obstacle (Starblaydia) will be facing Myrtannia in the Semis, and we hope that Myrtannia will be able to pull a rabbit out of their hat again. It would be interesting to see either a Lamoni-Starblaydia or a Lamoni-Myrtannia AOCAF cup match; doubly so if Lamoni were to win said match. However, you can trip over your own boots by looking too far ahead, so we will concentrate on the here and now.

AOCAF XIV SEMIFINALS PREDICTIONS:

Pacitalia vs Lamoni

While Pacitalia has come this far, Lamoni has more experince than Pacitalia. We also think that Pacitalia making it this far has a lot to do with luck. We feel that Lamoni will be able to change Pacitalia's luck. Winner: LAMONI

Starblaydia vs Myrtannia

The winner of this match will be the team that we will face in the finals (provided we win, of course). While Myrtannia did pull off impressive upsets against both Starblaydia AND Vilita, one has to wonder how long that Myrtannia's luck can hold. Still, we favor them over Starblaydia. Winner: Myrtannia

Lamoni - 1 Julio Sarabia (30)
Krytenia - 0

Posted by: Starblaydia May 24 2006, 03:30 PM

Final Four Beckons Again
Starblaydia face conquerors Myrtannia

"Bloody hell, what's next?"

Three goals in Extra Time, that's what! Just when you thought that Jackie Maitland's brace was enough to win the game, some guy in a Nedalia shirt comes on and equalises.

But, Starblaydia haven't scored four, five and four goals in their last three games respectively without reason, and when Nedalia quickly went ahead in Extra Time there was little panic in the Starblaydi ranks. So little, in fact, that Cherry Garcia was able to lead her troops up the pitch and score five minutes later to end the first half of Extra Time level at 3-3.

Old stager Roberto Vega couldn't help but upstage last time's losing finalists with a goal three minutes before the dreaded penalty shootout. Having won 4-3 in the previous match against hosts Bettia, Starblaydia's goal tally for the tournament reached a massive twenty from six games. Top scorer for the tournament so far is eighteen year-old Jackie Maitland, an incredible scoring sensation with a tally of six goals in six AOCAF appearances, her first for the national team.

Next up... the dreaded Myrtannia, the only team to have beaten Starblaydia this cup by holding them to a single goal in the Group Stage. Will their incredible run of luck continue all the way to the Final, or will Starblaydia have learned from their first defeat and show no mercy against the team in their second tournament?

Final Score from the Stamping Ground, Lorshill
Nedalia 3 - 4 Starblaydia (AET, FT 2-2)
(62, 89, 92) - (Maitland 34 & 71, Garcia 98, Vega 117)

Posted by: Myrtannia May 24 2006, 04:08 PM

Dryads Throttle Bazalopes, Advance Again!!

GRAPENHALL, Bettia - It was the second ever playoff match in football for the Myrtannia Dryads, as they looked to continue their strong play. Already the Dryads had exceeded all expectations, advancing to the knockouts for the first time in only their second AOCAF, then surprising longtime high-place finisher Vilita by a resounding 3-0 tally. Today's match, then, would be their first trip to the quarts, and they would face a familiar rival in Bazalonia.

Myrtannia's team sent chocolates to Bazalonian writer Nev Gould, who wrote that he enjoyed them, so there are more friendly relations between the two parties. At least off the field. Last time the two sides clashed, the Dryads and Bazalopes battled to a 2-2 draw, all goals scored in the first half. This time, things would turn out a little differently.

The fans turned out in large numbers for Myrtannia, wearing replica jerseys, novelty t-shirts, and waving Sun Burst banners like there was no tomorrow. A loss would've made sure there would be no tomorrow until AOCAF XV for Myrtannia, but the Dryads looked very determined not to let that happen. After the national anthems and player introductions, the Dryads stormed the field and controlled the tempo of the match from the opening whistle.

Only five minutes in, Dania Figary found some daylight and took a difficult shot on the goal, which went into the bottom left corner, just barely past the Bazalonian goal keeper. Up 1-0, the Dryads didn't let up even though they managed to score first against the talented Bazalopes. Myrtannia didn't have much room to breath in the first half, either, as Bazalonia got their own back with a goal just before the half by "Wolfie" Hobble. At the break, the teams were tied at 1-1.

"They're not an easy bunch to knock off, and they're playing with a lot of determination out there. Should be interesting to see the result in the second," coach McNany told a reporter on the way to the locker room.

As it so happened, Bazalonia couldn't keep up with a renewed and determined attack by the Dryads in the second half. While the first ten minutes or so was a position battle on the field, the Dryads gradually started forcing the Bazalopes back, and then found another opening. September Rollock found her way through the Bazalonian defense, and an open shot at the goal, which she booted into the upper right corner to put Myrtannia up 2-1. The already excited fans grew even louder with the goal, and seemed to annoy some locals seated nearby. Myrtannia's fans didn't seem the least bit concerned with that.

But the Dryads weren't done yet, as the all-female front line continued to dominate, even after Lenna Elhaj left the game early with a toothache. Fifteen year old Rozalynn Gabino stepped in, and showed why she is a favorite to go early in the MAFC draft next season. Three minutes after Rollock scored, the younger Gabino put one in the net to put the Dryads up 3-1, and the fate of the Bazalopes was sealed.

"At that point, we knew that the Bazalopes were done for. We just wanted to see how many times we could score, I guess. They played well in the first, but they just collapsed in on themselves in the second. We were happy to take the goals they let us have," Dania Figary told the press, a big smile on her face.

Myrtannia would score one more time, this time Deeann Massetti capping the scoring with a header off a pass from September Rollock. As the final whistle sounded, the Myrtannian fans were elated, jumping up and down in a frenzy. What was supposed to be a close match, predicted by the Bazalonian press to be an extra time or penalty kick game, was blown wide open by the relentless attack of the Myrtannian offense.

"We just wanted it more, and we took it," assitant coach Rachell Gabino said, "Now we have to worry about what we do next. We hadn't planned on going this deep into the AOCAF on our second try, but now we're determined to see the thing through."

That next factor, is what Myrtannia's media is dubbing the 'ultimate re-match of AOCAF XIV': a date with destiny against the four-time AOCAF champion Starblaydis, who have been very dominant so far. The Starblaydi team is rolling after a 4-3 extra time win against Nedalia, last AOCAF's silver medal team. Despite some youth on their team, the men and women in white and purple look almost like a lock for a berth in the AOCAF XIV title game, maybe even for a record-breaking fifth AOCAF title.

However, in the face of this machine, the Myrtannia Dryads have one ace up their sleeve. Starblaydia's only loss so far, back in the round robin stage, was at the hands of the Dryads. It was a close-fought 2-1 affair, but Myrtannia pulled out the upset in the end. Now, the stakes are much higher, and Starblaydia is certain to pull no punches. But Myrtannia is still soaring after knocking Vilita out 3-0, and now Bazalonia 4-1, and its youthful forwards have been surprisingly effecient in only their second (in some cases first) AOCAF.

Starblaydia should win, but Myrtannia will put up a very tough fight if nothing else. The Dryads have accomplished a lot getting this far, but now have to battle the spectre that all Myrtannian teams so far have succomed to - that of losing in the semi-finals. It happened to the curling team, the Suns in the last AO Bowl (though on a very questionable call), the Suns in AORBC I and II, and the Dryads in AORBC II.

"At this point, we don't believe in the Curse. Maybe we're too thick-headed to fear it, but we've come a long way from AOCAF XIII. We're simply happy to have the opportunity this time. We'll try our best to beat them again, but that might take a miracle," September Rollock told reporters, grinning after the win against Bazalonia.

Whatever happens, the win against Bazalonia gaurantees the Myrtannians have a chance to play for a medal (or top three finish at least). That in itself is an astounding accomplishment for the team that finished 1-0-4 in AOCAF XIII. Now, the Dryads stand at 3-3-0, and can finish no worse than fourth in only their second AOCAF. Congratulations to the Bazalopes for their great run, but luck just wasn't with them.

Once more, the final from Grapenhall:

Myrtannia 4 - 1 Bazalonia

(Figary 5, Rollock 60, Gabino 63, Massetti 80) (Hobble 44)

Posted by: Bazalonia May 24 2006, 06:02 PM

A random conversation overeard during half time between two Bazalonian fans

"Wow... I didn't think Hobble was able to get that goal." fan 1

"IF it wasn't for that great pass from Benny Boy, I doubt he would of." fan 2

"Oh, yeah the team has really started to play like a good team." Fan 1

"DRYADS RULE, BAZALOPES DROOL!" random Dryad Fan in replica kit

"anyway... What do you reckon about the 2nd half." Fan 1

"Well a certain Dryad fan might have to be careful but really I can't predict." fan 2

"Mrytannia have dramatically improved this cup, they went from a team not able to get into Round 2 their first AOCAF to a team that's in the quarters. All I know is that both sides will be having a hard time determining who the winner is." Fan 1

"Exactly, But I think the Bazalopes will make it." Fan 2

"Are you sure?" Fan 1

"Yes." Fan 2

"Well, lets make this interesting, At the Semi-final If the Bazalopes do win then I have to streak at half-time of their match with who-ever they are playing. If Mrytannia then you have to." Fan 1

"Alright, Ahh, a good laugh., you'll be sorry." fan 2

"DRYADS RULE, BAZALOPES DROOL!" the same Dryad fan...

"Wait till the match is decided!" exclaimed fan 1 annoyed

"Well... Sorry" replied the Dryad fan who after that shut up

Anyway it was now the end of half-time...

...

After the end of the match....

"Ha looks like you'll be on the pitch come the Semis" fan 1

"Oh, very funny... don't you dare record it." fan 2

"I wasn't but now I'm going to have to" Fan 1

"Laugh it up why don't you. You'll have your come uppenace." Fan 2

"The Mrytannians certainly seemed a different side in the 2nd half... wow." Fan 1

"Yeah, they shut down Hobble very effectively and they didn't manage to give either James or Michal any lee-way at the same time." Fan 2

"4-1... wow. And people where predicting this to be a close game. I'm pretty sure that James Gaines is going to see what the coach has to say about this loss." Fan 1

"And what is he going to ask... The Mrytannians where just too good on the day. The Bazalopes just weren't ableto cope." Fan 2

"Well... See you at the Semi's..." Fan 1

"Yeah... Yeah..." Fan 2

"DRYADS RULE, BAZALOPES DROOL" Do you really have to ask who this is?

Fan 1 sighs as he heads back to his motel

Posted by: Myrtannia May 24 2006, 06:08 PM

AIR 4 - Myrtannia's Sports Authority - Presents: AOCAF XIV Scoring Stats

The following is a list of all goals attributed to players thus far in AOCAF XIV, and their relative position in the list of scorers. Compiled by our unpaid interns, who think this is giving them work experience. Goals do not include those scored in penalty kicks.

T-1. J. Maitland (STR) - 6
T-1. D. Massetti (MYR) - 6
T-1. P. Hobble (BAZ) - 6
T-4. R. Vega (STR) - 4
T-4. A. Giurimano (PAC) - 4
T-4. S. Rollock (MYR) - 4
T-7. J. Makuch (LAM) - 3
T-7. L. Zynda (LAM) - 3
T-7. J. Sarabia (LAM) - 3
T-7. Morales (HYP) - 3
T-7. K. Tribby (ASMV) - 3
T-7. B. Wallenstein (ASMV) - 3
T-7. M. Gaffer (D&S) - 3
T-13. G. Abbott (LAM) - 2
T-13. T. Niodanna (STR) - 2
T-13. d'Adamanto (PAC) - 2
T-13. Charisteas (PAC) - 2
T-13. J. Matranga (STR) - 2
T-13. C. Garcia (STR) - 2
T-13. D. Figary (MYR) - 2
T-13. J. Kantwell (BAZ) - 2
T-13. R. Pirieda (D&S) - 2
T-13. X. Ridge (SAR) - 2
T-13. Devanallt (BET) - 2
T-24. Donii (STR) - 1
T-24. L. Velaise (STR) - 1
T-24. M. Ruiz (STR) - 1
T-24. F. Ibanez (STR) - 1
T-24. Zomanali (PAC) - 1
T-24. R. Gabino (MYR) - 1
T-24. Dorigo (HYP) - 1
T-24. Al-Jahani (BET) - 1
T-24. B. Peters (BAZ) - 1
T-24. L. Tatu (D&S) - 1
T-24. D. Cummer (D&S) - 1
T-24. C. Clemens (D&S) - 1
T-24. M. Irchov (BAZ) - 1
T-24. S. Jenkins (HYP) - 1

Posted by: Pacitalia May 24 2006, 09:51 PM

Twinkle Toes Taps a Triple
Giurimano earns his first int'l hat trick in QF defeat of Bedistan

GABALFA, BETTIA (PSN) -- Ambrosino Giurimano has the magic touch.

With the crowd once again mostly against the Blue Foxes, Giurimano and crew had another tough task - defeat Bedistan and make it to the semifinals for the first time. But this time they weren't about to sit back and make it hard for themselves. The Blue Foxes scored early and took the match with a solid 3-1 victory over the Bedistani squad in a hostile Bettian capital still smarting over seeing its team downed 4-0 by these same Pacitalians.

Bedistan came out swinging but the Pacitalian defence of Manzanotti, Nesta and Bandali was more than prepared after holding off a Hypocrian equaliser attempt in the last match, a 5-3 victory over the Hyppos. Ted Botello attempted to split Manzanotti and Nesta in the 9th minute but Nesta mounted a perfect challenge, flicking the ball out of Botello's control and to Manzanotti, who passed it forward to midfielder Simone Perrotta for Pacitalia's first offensive charge of the match.

The Blue Foxes' defence held off Bedistan for 22 minutes and 33 seconds before Giurimano pocketed his first goal for an early 1-0 lead. He advanced on Luther Beland and appeared to be passing to linemate Veranace d'Amantano who figured out Giurimano's idea and faked a look as though he was about to receive a pass. Beland moved right to cut Giurimano's pass off, but he continued with the ball into the 22-yard box. Beland thusly attempted to dive back left to steal the ball but Giurimano let the shot go a half-second ahead, watching it sail directly into the centre of the net for the lead.

Pacitalian keeper Cristianu Raduvani was on his game just like his defence, repelling a Botello-led offence into the 30-minute range, with three spectacular saves on the Bedistani midfielder in a span of four and a half minutes. He continued to be watchful all the way into the 39th, where he repelled a shot by Cameron Brown, picked up the ball and kicked it forward to Andreos Charisteas, who avoided a charging Bedistani defence and flicked the ball sideways to Giurimano. The Pacitalian forward charged past the defence alone and slid a shot below Beland for a 2-0 lead.

Halftime came and went and the Bedistani team, surprised at their solid run into the quarterfinals, mounted attack after attack, their intensity never wavering until a tired Alessandro Nesta was forced into making a sloppy tackle on Botello in the 55th just outside the 22-yard box. The resulting free kick was awarded to the Bedistani midfielder, who expertly curved the ball past an outstretched Raduvani to cut the Blue Foxes' lead in half, ten minutes into the second 45.

Manager Lindifeu Zentrescu substituted an exhausted Nesta five minutes later for Giuseppe Mancando, who relished the opportunity and plugged the central defensive hole well for the Blue Foxes, allowing the forward units to once again concentrate on putting the match away. And that they did, with d'Amantano feeding Giurimano a spectacular arcing pass in the 69th minute. The ball landed on the inside of his foot and redirected straight through, low under Beland once more for a 3-1 lead which held true to the end of the match.

Now, Pacitalia is faced with two firsts. The first first, as it were, is that they are in virgin territory, having advanced to the semifinals for the first time in their three-cup AOCAF history. The second first is that they must face and get past the Hawks for the first time in their AOCAF history for a trip to the finals. Lamonian media is painting the contest as an absolutely easy win for the Hawks but the cockiness of both reporters and players is astounding to the Blue Foxes, who are taking the match very seriously and are committed to going 150 percent to earn a win where it matters.

"The winner goes on, the loser goes home," captain d'Amantano said post-match. "While we aren't surprised at the attitude of the Lamonians against us, the fact remains that we are a talented team that wants that finals spot more than one would think. The Hawks are underestimating us, and we'll see what they think of us after the next 90 minutes. We won't make it easy on them."

Lamonian media has repeatedly stated the Blue Foxes are "lucky" to be in the semifinals, knocking the Blue Foxes as having no experience in pressure situations and questioning the team's talent base while confidently proclaiming the Hawks will easily win.

"We may have lost that last match to them, but it was only 1-0," Giurimano said. "We were just as good as them, if not better, during that match, and if anything was luck-induced during this tournament it was their goal against us. I'm surprised they have time to play football, because off-the-pitch they must be checking their hair constantly."

Pacitalia-Lamoni is shaping up to be one of the biggest rivalries in AOCAF, mostly because of the trashtalking that comes with it. We will not make a prediction this time but we are confident that the Blue Foxes are more talented than lucky and that they will make the semifinals match a good show, even if they do bow out. The winner goes onto face either a hot Myrtannian team, which has exceeded expectations and has been nothing short of a thrill to watch, or their opponents, the Starblaydis, who made it to the final four rather unsurprisingly.

From Gabalfa, Bettia:
Pacitalia 3 - 1 Bedistan
PAC: Giurimano 23', 39', 69'
BDS: Botello 55'

Posted by: Bazalonia May 24 2006, 11:02 PM

OOC: N.B. Bazalope Fan 2 will streak in the Mrytannia/StarBlaydia match... do what you want to the streaker

Posted by: Lamoni May 25 2006, 03:25 PM

We're in the finals!

With a 2-1 victory, the Hawks gave Pacitalia the old heave-ho from AOCAF XIV. Not only that, but we get to face Starblaydia in the finals (as Starblaydia defeated Myrtannia 4-1). The Lamonian victory was the classic tale of two halves with the reserve squad out. The Lamonian reserve 11 did not play so well the first half of the match, letting the score at the half become 1-0 with Pacitalia in the lead. The halftime talk by Coach Boldman must have done wonders however; because the Lamonian reserves came out with a passion that the Pacitalians couldn't stop.

Forward Julio Makuch scored both Lamonian goals in the 50th and 55th minutes, and Lamoni never looked back from there. Lamoni-Pacitalia is certainly turning out to be a quickly created AOCAF rivalry, with lots of trash talk on both sides; even though Lamoni has won more of the resulting matches thus far. Lamoni might have won both AOCAF XIV matches against Pacitalia by one goal each so far, but a win is a win; no matter how you look at it. Lamoni has more wins, thus it is the better team.

Looking upon Starblaydia, Lamoni faces it's biggest AOCAF struggle yet. Starblaydia is the only team that Lamoni has not as yet won a match against (that we've played), but most of the matches between the two teams have been close. The resulting rivalry between Lamoni and Starblaydia will give the Hawks a motive to take that potential 5th AOCAF cup out of the hands of the Starblaydis. That is why the starting 11 got rested for the match against Pacitalia... so that they could use the time for practice. It is hoped that the advantage of the Lamonian starting 11 being rested might give the Hawks that slight advantage that will be all that they will need against the AOCAF powerhouse Starblaydis.

This will also be another so called SDL vs SAAS match, and lots of eyes from all over AO will be there to watch the match. Even President Stone will be flying down to Bettia in order to watch his team defeat Starblaydia. AOCAF parties are being planned all over the Free Republic, and they will be popular. Lamoni is also expected to garner support for being the underdog in this match, with odds of a Lamonian victory low enough that a Lamonian victory would make someone financially set for life.

We would also like to take this time to express our support of the Myrtannians as they face Pacitalia in the third place match.

Lamoni - 2 Julio Makuch (50, 55)
Pacitalia - 1 (30)

Posted by: Starblaydia May 25 2006, 06:11 PM

Myrtannia Put In Their Place, 4-1
Lamoni given Fairy Tale final with Starblaydia

As Starblaydia got a certain little orange-and-blue coloured monkey, they gave the scriptwriters - and members of the Lamonian Gamblers Anonymous - something to drool over.

Starblaydia Versus Lamoni. Yup, it's the Final. For god-knows-how-long Lamoni and Starblaydia, Starblayde and Stone, have been metaphorically at each other's throats for years. They met before in the AOCAF more than a few times, but never at such a crucial stage as the Final Here's the full match history between Starblaydia and Lamoni:

QUOTE

AOCAF4 Quarter-Final, Starblaydia
Starblaydia 3-1 Lamoni

AOCAF6 Quarter-Final, Cockbill Street
Starblaydia 3-1 Lamoni

AOCAF7 Semi-Final, South Osettia
Starblaydia 3-1 Lamoni

AOCAF9 Group Stage, Cockbill Street
Starblaydia 2-0 Lamoni

AOCAF10 Group Stage, Fmjphoenix
Starblaydia 1-0 Lamoni

AOCAF11 Group Stage, Bettia
Lamoni 0-3 Starblaydia

AOCAF13 Group Stage, Krytenia
Starblaydia 2-2 Lamoni

Total
Wins
Starblaydia - 6
Lamoni - 0
Draws - 1

Goal Difference
Starblaydia 17-5 Lamoni

Starblaydia, quite obviously, have the upper hand in meetings between these two sides, but their last meeting - four years ago - saw the Hawks 'best' result. Whether you're pro-Defense League-minded enough to believe that the tables are starting to turn in Lamoni's favour or not, this will be the most important match Lamoni's side have ever played. Bar none.

Whatever happens, history will be made in the Final - either Lamoni's first victory that will mark the first ever by a nation that doesn't send its squad to the World Cup too - or Starblaydia will take a record-breaking fifth AOCAF trophy and become the most successful nation in the history of the greatest regional football tournament in the world.

Starblaydia are only there, of course, because they overcame Myrtannia in the Semi-Final. Myrtannia, the only nation to give Starblaydia a taste of defeat in the seven games so far, had been on a dream-like run throughout the entire competition, despite many observers labelling them as 'regional doormats'. Effectively the game was all over by the time Myrtannia scored their consolation goal, and this was still in the first half.

Cherry Garcia, captain in her final international tournament, led the side out like a rocket to prove to the whol region that Starblaydia could destroy teams like Myrtannia at will. Twenty-four goals they have now scored in seven games, an average of nearly three and a half per game. Four were blasted past Flo Krabel, three of them in a first half that saw the white shirts of Starblaydia appear more like a collective whirlwind. An early brace from Garcia quickly set the tone that was soon followed up by Will Soperra, who has been quiet but dependable throughout AOCAF14. The twenty-two year old's first international goal in his fifteenth appearance put Starblaydia three-nil up and effectively ended the Dryads' opposition.

Though Myrtannia's sole surviving AOCAF13 player, Dania Figary, pulled one back before the teams went in at half time, Starblaydia were definitely a cut above their opponents. Jackie Maitland scored her seventh goal of the tournament - giving her the edge over Deeann Massetti and Peter 'Wolfie' Hobble in the unofficial Golden Boot race - just after half time to allow Starblaydia to spend the remainder of the half winding down into what effectively became a training match.

Though Myrtannia will still be playing for third place and there best sporting finish ever, they have Pacitalia to contend with, relative AOCAF newcomers themselves, but pushing for their best-ever finish too.

Starblaydia, however, have bigger fish to fry.

Final Score from The Gasworks, Gabalfa:
Starblaydia 4 - 1 Myrtannia
(Garcia 8 & 12, Soperra 33, Maitland 54) - (Figary 38)

Posted by: Myrtannia May 26 2006, 01:42 AM

Dryads Follow Myrtannian Tradition, Collapse in Semis

Well, we all knew it would come to this, so it's not really any surprise to be reporting now that Starblaydia handily defeated Myrtannia in the semifinals of AOCAF XIV. This was to be expected, not only with Starblaydia's recent dominance in the knockouts, but Myrtannia's own Curse - the curse that has brought down all Myrtannian teams to advance this far into an interregional tournament. It was obvious that despite the brave words of September Rollock, the more veteran members of Myrtannia's squad had the Curse on their minds. How else to explain this complete defensive collapse?

After outscoring opponents 7-1 in the KO round, Myrtannia allowed four goals to Starblaydia, which really wasn't all that surprising. After the one setback at the hands of the Dryads in the RR phase, Starblaydia have been rolling. Myrtannia's one goal, in the first half, was scored by Dania Figary, just her third of the tournament.
That mattered little, as the more experienced Starblaydis ended the Cinderella story of the Myrtannia Dryads. Our congratulations to the men and women in purple and white on reaching the Cup final. Now, the Dryads still have a chance to take a place on the at least metaphorical medals stand. A third round match against Pacitalia, who lost to the soaring Lamoni Hawks.

"We just flat-out got outplayed today. That streaker was about the most interesting thing that happened out there," coach McNany remarked, alluding to a man later identified as Bazalonian in nationality who took to the field stark naked at the half.

Pacitalia is looking for it's best finish ever, and until the Lamoni match had been playing on talent as much as luck. The last time the Blue Foxes and Dryads clashed, Pacitalia handed Myrtannia its worst defeat ever: 5-0. That was a different Mytannia squad, too. Mytrannia is no longer the doormat it was then, and has not been held scoreless in all of AOCAF XIV.

"Unlike the Hawks, we know exactly what Pacitalia can do when they're very determined. Getting trounced like that certainly does make an indelable mark on a young team's mind. It's been four years, and we'd certainly like some revenge," Dania Figary told the press, "We'll just see if the Dryads don't have a little more magic left."

Myrtannia's attacking offense needs to be supported by a strong defensive stand, like the ones that shut out Vilita and held Hobble-led Bazalonia to just one goal, if it hopes to gain the victory. The Dryads were seen drilling at an area practice field in preparation for the third place match.

"We're working very hard to not walk away from this thing empty-handed. While we are happy to be here, we want to win this one and bring some nice bronze medals home to show the folks in Halosen," Filiberto Nedina, the team's oldest member added at the postgame press conference, "Pacitalia's talented, but we're hungry for this one last win, and no Blue Fox is going to stand between us and third place."

Our best wishes go out to the Lamoni Hawks, our regional neighbors, as they go for their first AOCAF cup title against the Starblaydis. While Starblaydia has dominated the matchup thus far, there's a first time for everything, right? Forgive us for sounding biased, but Go Hawks! Maybe if the Starblaydi press hadn't referred to us as a 'blue and orange coloured monkey', we would be more impartial.

Vice President Robert Jett is expected to arrive in Bettia for the third place match, while President Holton was reported to be seen wearing a Lamoni jersey around the office. No confirmation yet on that.

The final from the Gasworks:

Starblaydia 4 - 1 Myrtannia
(Garcia 8 & 12, Soperra 33, Maitland 54) (Figary 38)

Posted by: Pacitalia May 26 2006, 01:58 AM

OOC: As a sign of goodwill, Myr, I think you deserve the win more than I do. So, I will hold off on RPing this one to give you a better shot at the victory. Great job this cup

Posted by: Pacitalia May 28 2006, 02:36 PM

Massetti and co. Myr-tamed once more
Blue Foxes take third place at AOCAF14 with edgy victory

GABALFA, BETTIA (PSN) -- Well, we can't seem to beat the Hawks but we can sure put on a good show when we need to.

That's the edict from manager Lindifeu Zentrescu after the Blue Foxes stepped aside in the race for glory at AOCAF14 to play a shocking Myrtannia side in the third-place playoff. The Blue Foxes emerged to take that third place with a 2-1 victory over the Dryads in an excellent offensive showdown over 90 minutes.

"We cannot be truly satisfied with the result, but it was a massive improvement over AOCAF13," Lindifeu said in comparing this squad with the squad of the last AOCAF, which suffered a quarterfinals loss in penalties to host Krytenia. "We were more than capable of taking that trophy but we let the fact we rarely down Lamoni take control of us. That is why we're sitting here enjoying third place instead of first."

The Blue Foxes controlled the first half of the match, shutting down the potent Myrtannian offence led by captain Deeann Massetti and strong striker Dania Figary, holding them to just four shots in the half. It allowed Ambrosino Giurimano to notch his eighth of the tournament off a free kick in the 35th minute. The score remained 1-0 at halftime and the team talk seemed to spark both sides to more action.

Massetti almost equalised in the 52nd, 54th and 59th after three consecutive Myrtannian offensive charges but keeper Cristianu Raduvani was more than up to the challenge, thwarting all ten Dryad shots he faced in the first 20 minutes of the half. He even made a spectacular kneecap save on Figary in the 67th while lying flat on his back, a save which sent the fans at the Alice Street pitch into an absolute frenzy.

"There is no doubt he deserved the clean sheet," Giurimano remarked post-match. "He was absolutely crucial for us this entire tournament, but he knew he couldn't do everything without a solid defence and potent offence. That is something we did not realise until right before the knockout stage started."

Unfortunately, Raduvani's clean sheet was out of his hands as Rodrigo Bandali unintentionally redirected a Figary rocket off his right calf. Raduvani had been positioned properly to make the save but the ball caromed too far to his right for him to correct in time. The ball jumped past to give the Dryads an equaliser in the 74th.

The Blue Foxes' play, luckily, stepped up dramatically in the last 15 minutes, with a remarkable 20 shots on goal in that time. One of the shots was good as gold, as d'Amantano earned his third of the tournament with a perfect set up by Andreos Charisteas and Ambrosino Giurimano for the 85th-minute go-ahead score.

Rumours the team may look slightly different, with the reported departures of Cristoferi Zomanali and reserve midfielders Angelo Sassoni and Geronimo Falgamanazzo, were neither confirmed nor denied by team staff or the players. Massimo da Scupeta, the rising star in Pacitalian football who recently became ineligible to play in U21 World Cups, may make his debut as a retracted forward in AOCAF15.

From Gabalfa, Bettia:
Myrtannia 1 - 2 Pacitalia
MYR: Figary 74'
PAC: Giurimano 35', d'Amantano 85'

Posted by: Starblaydia Jun 1 2006, 10:26 AM

Five-Star-Blaydia!
Record-breaking fifth title

It was one for the script-writers: Starblaydia, the AOCAF giants, versus Lamoni, their perennial regional rivals. It was the Strategic Alliance versus the Defence League, white and purple versus red and blue.

And Starblaydia came out on top.

To see the names of the Starblaydi goalscorers would warm the heart of any Starblaydi fan: Matranga and Di Bradini. One can almost wind back in time to the days of Aiden, Nick and Itechton Matranga, Simeone and Roberto Di Bradini, but this was Jade Matranga and Tabitha Di Bradini - Aiden and Roberto's grand-daughters.

Even when Erik Coale gave Lamoni the lead after half-time, Starblaydia were unworried. After the hour mark, Jade Matranga slipped past the marking of Lonnie Bourquin, exchanged a one-two pass with Jacqueline Maitland and blasted the equaliser past Neil Metro in the Hawk's goal.

That was how it remained - somehow - until the end of the ninety minutes. Everyone thought that penalties would come until Tabitha Di Bradini - who replaced Francisco Ibanez mid-tournament at Right-Back and never let him have the position back - burst onto a through-ball from Will Soperra, surged past Allan Revard and toe-poked the ball past Metro, who had nearly closed her down. As Di Bradini hurdled the Lamonian, the ball was in the net and, with three minutes to go, Starblaydia had won the game.

Starblaydia had won the fourteenth AOCAF.

Starblaydia had won their fifth AOCAF.

Starblaydia had won the World Cup and AOCAF double.

Final Score from the Stadiwm Bettia, Gabalfa
Lamoni 1 - 2 Starblaydia (AET, FT 1-1)
(Coale 52) - (J. Matranga 66, T. Di Bradini 117)